Space-based sitcoms can be a very hard sell, not that the British haven't given it their fair shot more than once. On this day in 1981, Astronauts blasted out onto the small screen, giving Christopher Godwin, Carmen Du Sautoy, and Barrie Rutter something to do while being set in orbit. It lasted a slim two seasons. Here's the series' premise as provided by IMDB.com:
"Mattocks, Fost and Ackroyd are Britain's first three astronauts. They must live in small, cramped space station orbiting the earth. Naturally, these conditions make coexistence difficult for them, but funny to us."
"Mattocks, Fost and Ackroyd are Britain's first three astronauts. They must live in small, cramped space station orbiting the earth. Naturally, these conditions make coexistence difficult for them, but funny to us."
Gotta be honest, peeps: first V miniseries was fabulous. Second? Well ... good but had a bit of 'meh,' too. However, I did enjoy much of the series that sprang from those two events, largely because it managed to keep the cast together (always a plus) as well as deepen the mythology enough to stay the course but, alas, not enough to grow the ratings. It lasted only a single season, though it did get a reboot as well as a novel continuation. Here's the series' premise as provided by IMDB.com:
"A year after Liberation Day, courtesy of the red-dust bacteria, the humanoid, lizard-like aliens develop a resistance to the micro-organism and try to regain control of the Earth--only now some humans are knowingly working with them."
"A year after Liberation Day, courtesy of the red-dust bacteria, the humanoid, lizard-like aliens develop a resistance to the micro-organism and try to regain control of the Earth--only now some humans are knowingly working with them."
Argh. I really really wanted to like Disney's television entry into the wide, wide world of TRON, but TRON: Uprising kinda/sorta missed the mark for me. Its colorful, anime-influenced visuals were interesting, but its characters just didn't have the stuffing I think they needed, pushing the program into a slightly different direction than the motion pictures explored. Granted, there's something to be said for trying something new ... but it rarely endears old fans to stay around long enough to find reason to believe again. In any event, here's the series' premise as provided by IMDB.com:
"A young program named Beck becomes a leader of a revolution in The Grid. Beck is trained by Tron to become a great warrior, teaching him fighting skills and mentoring him as he becomes a powerful leader. Beck's destiny is to lead a revolution to stop the reign of Clu 2 and his henchman General Tesler, and to lead his home and friends to freedom."
"A young program named Beck becomes a leader of a revolution in The Grid. Beck is trained by Tron to become a great warrior, teaching him fighting skills and mentoring him as he becomes a powerful leader. Beck's destiny is to lead a revolution to stop the reign of Clu 2 and his henchman General Tesler, and to lead his home and friends to freedom."
Though I tend to be opinionated, I learned long ago that it's better at times just to shut up and go along, especially when you have something good ... but that's a lesson the creators, writers, and showrunners of Supergirl just couldn't heed, piling on political activism and preachyness into each and every hour after the show left CBS and went to the CW. As can happen, the show that started with so much hope and promise on this day in 2015 turned sour real quick, ratings tanked, and fans largely deserted it, leaving eventually only activists in the audience. That just wasn't enough to keep this one off the inevitable chopping block, and it's truly gifted cast deserved better! Here's the series' premise as provided by IMDB.com:
"National City's new hero, Supergirl, takes on the responsibility of keeping the people safe. Going on adventures filled with action, hope and love. She is determined to make a difference by bringing not only her super powers, but her heart to the table as well."
"National City's new hero, Supergirl, takes on the responsibility of keeping the people safe. Going on adventures filled with action, hope and love. She is determined to make a difference by bringing not only her super powers, but her heart to the table as well."
If you put on the Starfleet uniform, then I'm going to find you ... eventually! Ed Reimers enjoyed a brief flirtation with the business of acting. A quick look at his IMDB.com profile shows he built a career on eighteen screen credits ... and that's eighteen more than most of us ever get a chance to enjoy. Genre fans might recognize him best from his role as an admiral aboard Star Trek's popular "The Trouble With Tribbles." Though he's no longer with us, Reimers was born on this day in 1912.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Those of us who fondly remember the late 1980's series Max Headroom remember the great Hank Garrett in the role of 'Gene Ashwell,' one of the fussy, powering-grubby suits behind Network 23. A solid career with under 100 different screen credits, the actor also made visits to such other properties as Airwolf, Knight Rider, The Twilight Zone, and Alien Nation. Garrett was born on this day in 1931.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though he's better known for his work in dramas, the venerable Bob Hoskins played a role in 2008's disappointing Doomsday, one more look at Earth's future after the Apocalypse. Though he's no longer with us, Hoskins was born on this day in 1942.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I've got nothing but love and respect for the creative voice of Kenneth Johnson, one of the truly great storytellers of my youth in front of the television set. Though he's most well known for bringing to life the V television franchise on NBC, his career spans several genre-defining programs including The Six Million Dollar Man, The Bionic Woman, The Curse Of Dracula, The Secret Empire, The Incredible Hulk, Shadow Chasers, and Alien Nation. Johnson was born on this day in 1942.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Even though 1984's Supergirl failed to really impress critics and audiences, I'd argue it still posted a few nice smaller performances for several players, one of which is the lovely Maureen Teefy who filled in Lucy Lane's shoes in the genre picture. She followed that up with some work on the small screen in 1997's anthology series Perversions of Science. Teefy was born on this day in 1953.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I know, I know, I know. Everyone was supposed to have hated Speed Racer (2008), right? Well, as I keep telling you folks, I'm not 'everyone.' Granted, it wasn't a perfect adaptation, but I thought its sense of fun was in the right place. Roger Allam enjoyed a small role in the picture; otherwise the man tends to stick with much more conventional fare. Allam was born on this day in 1953.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Long before he went all 'doctory' for Grey's Anatomy, James Pickens Jr. was making things tough for Mulder and Scully on Fox TV's seminal The X-Files as FBI Deputy Director Alvin Kersh. Pickens Jr. was born on this day in 1954.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Early in her career, the lovely Rita Wilson played a role aboard The Day It Came To Earth (1977), a Horror/SciFi flick from Rainbow Productions. Wilson was born on this day in 1956.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Think what you will of Lost's big finish (for the record, I hated it), but the show was at its unbridled best when it was tinkering in the realm of fantasy and Science Fiction. Perhaps no character truly showed just how much science there was in it than the multiple doctors portrayed by the talented François Chau. Since his earliest roles, he's been a part of quality genre entertainment, included G.I. Joe, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze, The Flash (CBS), Intruders (1992), The Adventures of Brisco County Jr., Time Trax, Stargate: SG-1, and much much more. Chau was born on this day in 1959.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Without a doubt, Galaxy Quest remains one of the best SciFi satires of recent record. In it, Patrick Breen played Quellek, an alien whose death served as a major turning point for the film. The talented actor also had a role in the original Men In Black. Breen was born on this day in 1960.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Relatively early in his career, actor Dylan McDermott had a terrific role in one of the more subversive political SciFi action thrillers of its time: Hardware was a sleeper hit with those who saw it, and there was a long-rumored sequel that sadly never materialized. McDermott was born on this day in 1961.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Toward the latter end of its run, The X-Files continued added secondary characters to its burgeoning cast that unfortunately didn't quite 'gel' as well as they could have in the storylines that started feeling fairly repetitive. Cary Elwes was one such semi-regular; he was brought in for a six-episode arc as 'FBI Assistant Director Brad Follmer.' Elwes was born on this day in 1962.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Small screen veteran Tom Cavanagh gave up his squeaky-clean small screen image and embraced his inner villain, playing the lead baddie behind so much of the CW's The Flash during its first season. Eventually, his character evolved in some unique ways, and he turned out to be one of the speedster's key allies up until the actor's departure for other projects. Cavanagh was born on this day in 1963.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though her professional gigs these days are far too conventional for my tastes, methinks SciFi fans can still appreciate the talents of Kelly Rowan as she's boasted appearances aboard War of the Worlds, The Burning Zone, and the 1990's version of The Outer Limits. Rowan was born on this day in 1965.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Let's say you're shooting a film, and the script calls for a big guy. Well, there's no bigger guy in genre entertainment these days than the big Robert Maillet (shown above from Pacific Rim) of W.W.E. fame. Maillet was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Lisa Ryder played 'Beka Valentine' as part of the ensemble at the heart of Gene Roddenberry's Andromeda (2000-2005) SciFi series. Interestingly enough, her work was nominated for a Gemini Award in 2001 for 'Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Supporting Role in a Dramatic Series.' Well done, milady! As for other genre appearances? Fans might recognize her from time served aboard Forever Knight, City Of Dark (1997), Earth: Final Conflict, PSI Factor: Chronicles Of The Paranormal, Total Recall 2070, Jason X (2001), Alphas, Killjoys, and The Strain. Ryder was born on this day in 1970.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Anthony Rapp is currently turning heads in the role of 'Paul Stamets' aboard CBS's Star Trek: Discovery, the first incarnation of the popular Science Fiction franchise deemed not appropriate for network or syndicated television by Paramount programming executives. The man's "groundbreaking" character is one of Trekdom's first openly homosexual characters. Rapp was born on this day in 1971.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Occasional funnyman Seth MacFarlane is trying to out-Star-Trek Star Trek with his Fox SciFi/Comedy The Orville. MacFarlane was born on this day in 1973.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I am no expert on matters Hollywood, but methinks the lovely Wynn Everett could fill out plenty of quality roles in genre entertainment if she wanted. Granted, she has been seen in Supernatural and NBC's under-appreciated The Event, but I suspect SciFi would welcome her if she wanted to set down roots. More recently, she enjoyed some screen time aboard Marvel's Agent Carter. Everett was born on this day in 1978.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Newcomer Tom Brittney enjoyed a guest spot aboard AMC TV's stellar Humans adaptation, an ongoing exploration of Artificial Intelligence interacting with everyday life. Brittney was born on this day in 1990.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
That beautiful young lady trying to escape the brilliant explosion is none other than Alexandria DeBerry appearing in her role aboard Lazer Team (2015). DeBerry was born on this day in 1994.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Before going on to more critical success aboard Showtime's Homeland series, the lovely Morgan Saylor dabbled in genre entertainment with a role aboard Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant (2009). Saylor was born on this day in 1994.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
A star is born! On this day in 1926 (in the former Soviet Union), Miss Mend (aka The Adventures Of The Three Reporters) enjoyed its theatrical debut. This SciFi/Serial was written (in part) and directed by the team of Boris Barnet and Fyodor Otsep. It starred Natalya Glan, Igor Ilyinsky, and Vladimir Fogel. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Three reporters and an office girl are trying to stop a bacteriological strike by some powerful western business leaders against the USSR."
"Three reporters and an office girl are trying to stop a bacteriological strike by some powerful western business leaders against the USSR."
It's the end of the world as we know it! On this day in 1951 (in Finland), Five gave audiences an early look at cinematic nuclear destruction. The feature starred William Phipps and Susan Douglas Rubes, and here's the premise as cited on IMDB.com:
"The world is destroyed in a nuclear holocaust. Only five Americans survive, including a pregnant woman, a neo-Nazi, a black man and a bank clerk."
For the record:
If you'd like to know more about this Apocalypse/Drama, I did find a bit of an extended review-type piece examining Five in some greater context. You can find it right here.
"The world is destroyed in a nuclear holocaust. Only five Americans survive, including a pregnant woman, a neo-Nazi, a black man and a bank clerk."
For the record:
If you'd like to know more about this Apocalypse/Drama, I did find a bit of an extended review-type piece examining Five in some greater context. You can find it right here.
On this day in 1951 (in West Germany), The Thing From Another World crashed down to Earth's theaters. Directed by Christian Nyby and Howard Hawks, the SciFi/Classic starred Kenneth Tobey, James Arness, and Margaret Sheridan. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Scientists and American Air Force officials fend off a bloodthirsty alien organism while at a remote arctic outpost."
For the record:
The Thing From Another World was inducted into the U.S.'s National Film Registry in 2001 so that its greatness can be preserved for the ages, and that's certainly no small feat for a Science Fiction release of the era. The story was adapted in 1982 by Horror expert John Carpenter (with Kurt Russell in the lead), and his version perhaps maintains greater popularity than the original.
"Scientists and American Air Force officials fend off a bloodthirsty alien organism while at a remote arctic outpost."
For the record:
The Thing From Another World was inducted into the U.S.'s National Film Registry in 2001 so that its greatness can be preserved for the ages, and that's certainly no small feat for a Science Fiction release of the era. The story was adapted in 1982 by Horror expert John Carpenter (with Kurt Russell in the lead), and his version perhaps maintains greater popularity than the original.
A star is born! On this day in 1951, Unknown World made itself known theatrically. Directed by Terry O. Morse from a script by Millard Kaufman, the SciFi feature starred Bruce Kellogg, Otto Waldis, and Marilyn Nash; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Scientists use a gigantic drilling machine for an expedition to the center of the earth."
"Scientists use a gigantic drilling machine for an expedition to the center of the earth."
On this day in 1957 (in New York City), The Land Unknown experienced a theatrical premiere. Directed by Virgil W. Vogel, the feature starred Jock Mahoney and Shirley Patterson, and here's the premise as listed on IMDB.com:
"Three men and a woman crash-land in a deep crater in Antarctica, where they find a prehistoric world."
"Three men and a woman crash-land in a deep crater in Antarctica, where they find a prehistoric world."
A star is born! On this day in 1961 (in Italy), Giant of Metropolis found its way to the silver screen. Directed by Umberto Scarpelli, the Fantasy feature starred Gordon Mitchell, Bella Cortez, and Rolando Lupi. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Muscleman Ohro travels to the sinful capital of Atlantis to rebuke its godlessness and hubris and becomes involved in the battle against its evil lord Yoh-tar and his hideous super-science schemes."
"Muscleman Ohro travels to the sinful capital of Atlantis to rebuke its godlessness and hubris and becomes involved in the battle against its evil lord Yoh-tar and his hideous super-science schemes."
A star is born! Connie Stevens? Zero gravity? Count me in! On this day in 1966, Jerry Lewis and the delicious Connie Stevens went Way ... Way Out for 20th Century Fox Pictures. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a futuristic world, the USA decides to send a married couple of astronauts to its moon base in order to prevent any improper contact with the Soviet female cosmonauts manning the USSR moon base."
"In a futuristic world, the USA decides to send a married couple of astronauts to its moon base in order to prevent any improper contact with the Soviet female cosmonauts manning the USSR moon base."
A star is born! On this day in 1976 (in Yugoslavia), The Rat Savior explored the world ... with a rat's eye view. Adapted for the silver screen (in part) and directed by Krsto Papic, the SciFi/Horror starred Ivica Vidovic, Mirjana Majurec, and Relja Basic. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A poor writer discovers that a species of rats has banded together to impersonate humans and supplant them unnoticed, in a manner reminiscent of the transformations in Eugene Ionesco's Rhinoceros, or the covert conspiracy of pod-people in The Invasion of the Body Snatchers. This film's story is based on a book by the Soviet writer Alexander Greene."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Rat Savior enjoyed a wee bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"A poor writer discovers that a species of rats has banded together to impersonate humans and supplant them unnoticed, in a manner reminiscent of the transformations in Eugene Ionesco's Rhinoceros, or the covert conspiracy of pod-people in The Invasion of the Body Snatchers. This film's story is based on a book by the Soviet writer Alexander Greene."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Rat Savior enjoyed a wee bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 1978 (in West Germany), the theatrical edition of Battlestar Galactica played on the silver screen. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After the destruction of the Twelve Colonies of Mankind, the last major fighter carrier leads a makeshift fugitive fleet in a desperate search for the legendary planet Earth."
"After the destruction of the Twelve Colonies of Mankind, the last major fighter carrier leads a makeshift fugitive fleet in a desperate search for the legendary planet Earth."
On this day in 1979 (in Austria and Finland), Ridley Scott's Alien burst through the silver screen's figurative chest. 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."
A star is born! On this day in 1979 (in Italy), Star Odyssey enjoyed its theatrical release. (If IMDB.com is any indication, this would appear to be the film's only theatrical presentation ever. That doesn't bode well.) Written (in part) and directed by Alfonso Brescia, the SciFi/Fantasy release starred Yanti Somer and Gianni Garko, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Earth is attacked by an intergalactic villain and his army of robotic androids."
"Earth is attacked by an intergalactic villain and his army of robotic androids."
On this day in 1981 (in Spain), everyone thought Snake Plissken was dead with the theatrical run of Escape From New York. Written (in part) and directed by John Carpenter, the SciFi/Thriller starred Kurt Russell, Adrienne Barbeau, and Harry Dean Stanton. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In the future, crime is out of control and New York City's Manhattan is a maximum security prison. Grabbing a bargaining chip right out of the air, convicts bring down the President's plane in bad old Gotham. Gruff Snake Plissken, a one-eyed lone warrior new to prison life, is coerced into bringing the President, and his cargo, out of this land of undesirables."
For the record:
At the 1982 Saturn Awards sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films, Escape From New York enjoyed four nominations (but no wins) in the categories of 'Best Make-up,' 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"In the future, crime is out of control and New York City's Manhattan is a maximum security prison. Grabbing a bargaining chip right out of the air, convicts bring down the President's plane in bad old Gotham. Gruff Snake Plissken, a one-eyed lone warrior new to prison life, is coerced into bringing the President, and his cargo, out of this land of undesirables."
For the record:
At the 1982 Saturn Awards sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films, Escape From New York enjoyed four nominations (but no wins) in the categories of 'Best Make-up,' 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
On this day in 1981 (in Turkey), Gene Roddenberry's crew returned -- this time on the silver screen -- with the release of Star Trek. The feature film brought William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, and the rest of the Enterprise crew back into service of Starfleet; and, according to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When an alien spacecraft of enormous power is spotted approaching Earth, Admiral James T. Kirk resumes command of the overhauled USS Enterprise in order to intercept it."
For the record:
I think it incredibly worthy of note to mention that though the original is often maligned by "fans" for being slow, the picture has caught the attention of organizations that dole out nominations and statues. In 1980, Star Trek was nominated for three Academy Awards: 'Best Art Direction-Set Direction,' 'Best Effects, Visual Effects,' and 'Best Music, Original Score.' And what of those Saturn Awards? Well, the film did take home the trophy for 'Best Special Effects,' but it lost out on 'Best Make-up,' Best Costumes,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Director,' 'Best Supporting Actress,' 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Actress,' 'Best Actor,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Still, it's an honor to be nominated! Lastly from 1980, it was also nominated for 'Best Dramatic Presentation' at the Hugo Awards.
"When an alien spacecraft of enormous power is spotted approaching Earth, Admiral James T. Kirk resumes command of the overhauled USS Enterprise in order to intercept it."
For the record:
I think it incredibly worthy of note to mention that though the original is often maligned by "fans" for being slow, the picture has caught the attention of organizations that dole out nominations and statues. In 1980, Star Trek was nominated for three Academy Awards: 'Best Art Direction-Set Direction,' 'Best Effects, Visual Effects,' and 'Best Music, Original Score.' And what of those Saturn Awards? Well, the film did take home the trophy for 'Best Special Effects,' but it lost out on 'Best Make-up,' Best Costumes,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Director,' 'Best Supporting Actress,' 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Actress,' 'Best Actor,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Still, it's an honor to be nominated! Lastly from 1980, it was also nominated for 'Best Dramatic Presentation' at the Hugo Awards.
On this day in 1984 (in East Germany), Lunnaya Raduga (aka Moon Rainbow) erupted onto the silver screen like a bolt of lightning! Adapted for the silver screen (in part) and directed by Andrei Yermash, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Vladimir Gostyukhin, Vasiliy Livanov, and Yuriy Solomin. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After a strange incident, a group of russian space commandos starts developing supernatural powers. But how did they acquire such abilities and what is their intentions?"
For the record:
To the film's credit, Lunnaya Raduga enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Film' from the 1985 Fantasporto Film Festival.
"After a strange incident, a group of russian space commandos starts developing supernatural powers. But how did they acquire such abilities and what is their intentions?"
For the record:
To the film's credit, Lunnaya Raduga enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Film' from the 1985 Fantasporto Film Festival.
A star is born! On this day in 1984 (in Canada, Lesotho, Turkey, and the U.S.), The Terminator stormed into theatres and introduced audiences everywhere to the potential of having a Hollywood strongman take a commanding lead in a brilliant SciFi property. The world met Sarah Connor and learned that her son -- John -- was the only thing that stood between our future selves and a possible future annihilation. Written (in part) and directed by James Cameron, the SciFi/Thriller starred Arnold "Screw Your Freedoms!" Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, and Michael Biehn. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A human soldier is sent from 2029 to 1984 to stop an almost indestructible cyborg killing machine, sent from the same year, which has been programmed to execute a young woman whose unborn son is the key to humanity's future salvation."
For the record:
It's impossible to deny the clout James Cameron and Arnold Schwarzenegger earned with the release of this little gem. Yes, it gave them a franchise in the broader scheme of things, but it's an enduring property that continues to produce iterations in film, television, and print which give fans more to consume, if not think about. As for the original flick? The Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films was smitten, giving the feature an incredible three Saturn Awards ('Best Make-up,' 'Best Writing,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film') while having to settle for nominations only in four other categories ('Best Music,' 'Best Director,' 'Best Actress,' and 'Best Actor'). Like that unstoppable machine of the title, the franchise refuses to go down for the fight, and I suspect we'll see more of the same in the years ahead.
"A human soldier is sent from 2029 to 1984 to stop an almost indestructible cyborg killing machine, sent from the same year, which has been programmed to execute a young woman whose unborn son is the key to humanity's future salvation."
For the record:
It's impossible to deny the clout James Cameron and Arnold Schwarzenegger earned with the release of this little gem. Yes, it gave them a franchise in the broader scheme of things, but it's an enduring property that continues to produce iterations in film, television, and print which give fans more to consume, if not think about. As for the original flick? The Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films was smitten, giving the feature an incredible three Saturn Awards ('Best Make-up,' 'Best Writing,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film') while having to settle for nominations only in four other categories ('Best Music,' 'Best Director,' 'Best Actress,' and 'Best Actor'). Like that unstoppable machine of the title, the franchise refuses to go down for the fight, and I suspect we'll see more of the same in the years ahead.
A star is born! On this day in 1985, the Fantasy/Telefilm Star Fairies delivered what magic animation could for its era. According to our friends at What Vinnie Thinks, here's the (edited) plot summary:
"Lately, Sparkle has been overwhelmed with so many wishes and there are more of them every day. She goes to the magic wishing well (voice of Jonathon Winters) for advice and it tells her how to get the help she needs. Sparkle expected one helper, but ended up with five, which worked out even better. These helpers are all star fairies and their names are Spice, Whisper, Night Song, True Love, and Jazz. Sparkle named them after their personalities. With the assistance of Sparkle’s flying unicorn, Lavender, the star fairies go on their assignments. Soon they meet Hillary (voice of Drew Barrymore) who is unhappy with her boring life. The star fairies have no luck helping Hillary, so they take her to Sparkle."
"Lately, Sparkle has been overwhelmed with so many wishes and there are more of them every day. She goes to the magic wishing well (voice of Jonathon Winters) for advice and it tells her how to get the help she needs. Sparkle expected one helper, but ended up with five, which worked out even better. These helpers are all star fairies and their names are Spice, Whisper, Night Song, True Love, and Jazz. Sparkle named them after their personalities. With the assistance of Sparkle’s flying unicorn, Lavender, the star fairies go on their assignments. Soon they meet Hillary (voice of Drew Barrymore) who is unhappy with her boring life. The star fairies have no luck helping Hillary, so they take her to Sparkle."
A star is born! On this day in 1986 (in Italy), Wired To Kill (aka Booby Trap) took its glorious premise to the silver screen. Written and directed by Francis Schaeffer, the SciFi/Thriller starred Emily Longstreth, Devin Hoelscher, and Merritt Butrick. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In the near future, law and order breaks down, diseases, violence and immorality are rampant. However, one Christian young man decides not to turn the other cheek anymore. He modifies his wheelchair to help him protect his home and family, and kill the thugs first."
"In the near future, law and order breaks down, diseases, violence and immorality are rampant. However, one Christian young man decides not to turn the other cheek anymore. He modifies his wheelchair to help him protect his home and family, and kill the thugs first."
A star is born! On this day in 1987 (in Japan), Cyclops opened its eye theatrically. Directed by Jôji Iida, the SciFi/Horror starred Kai Atô and Mayumi Hasegawa, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A bizarre medical exam of a nude woman by several doctors and scientists reveal that their latest subject has committed suicide before giving birth to one of the mutant creatures they had placed within her body."
"A bizarre medical exam of a nude woman by several doctors and scientists reveal that their latest subject has committed suicide before giving birth to one of the mutant creatures they had placed within her body."
On this day in 1990 (in Turkey), Total Recall sent audiences on a wild trip to Mars. (Or did it?) According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When a man goes for virtual vacation memories of the planet Mars, an unexpected and harrowing series of events forces him to go to the planet for real - or is he?"
"When a man goes for virtual vacation memories of the planet Mars, an unexpected and harrowing series of events forces him to go to the planet for real - or is he?"
On this day in 1994, Plughead Rewired: Circuitry Man II enjoyed its U.S. home video premiere. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In the backdrop of Earths polluted future a female FBI agent removes Danner, a pleasure android from an asylum in order to coerce him into helping her hunt down the criminal psychopath Plughead. But Plughead who has tangled with Danner before has his own plans as he is forcing a female scientist to help him manufacture life extending longevity chips which he intends to sell to rich and powerful clients."
For the record:
Interesting. Plughead Rewired enjoyed a nomination for 'Best Film' at the 1995 Fantasporto film festival.
"In the backdrop of Earths polluted future a female FBI agent removes Danner, a pleasure android from an asylum in order to coerce him into helping her hunt down the criminal psychopath Plughead. But Plughead who has tangled with Danner before has his own plans as he is forcing a female scientist to help him manufacture life extending longevity chips which he intends to sell to rich and powerful clients."
For the record:
Interesting. Plughead Rewired enjoyed a nomination for 'Best Film' at the 1995 Fantasporto film festival.
On this day in 1996 (in Japan), The Arrival arrived theatrically. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary for the Science Fiction feature starring Charlie Sheen:
"Zane, an astronomer, discovers intelligent alien life. But the aliens are keeping a deadly secret, and will do anything to stop Zane from learning it."
"Zane, an astronomer, discovers intelligent alien life. But the aliens are keeping a deadly secret, and will do anything to stop Zane from learning it."
On this day in 2001, Donnie Darko enjoyed a limited U.S. theatrical release. Written and directed by Richard Kelly, the feature starred Jake and Maggie Gyllenhaal, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After narrowly escaping a bizarre accident, a troubled teenager is plagued by visions of a man in a large rabbit suit who manipulates him to commit a series of crimes."
"After narrowly escaping a bizarre accident, a troubled teenager is plagued by visions of a man in a large rabbit suit who manipulates him to commit a series of crimes."
On this day in 2001 (in the U.S. and Canada), K-PAX crashed down to Earth's theaters with its full theatrical release. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"PROT is a patient at a mental hospital who claims to be from a faraway planet named K-PAX. His psychiatrist tries to help him, only to begin to doubt his own explanations."
"PROT is a patient at a mental hospital who claims to be from a faraway planet named K-PAX. His psychiatrist tries to help him, only to begin to doubt his own explanations."
A star is born! On this day in 2003, Monster Makers enjoyed its broadcast television premiere. Directed by David S. Cass Sr., the Fantasy feature starred Linda Blair and Adam Baldwin, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"This movie is based on Tim Stoker's experience as a monster movie geek. The monsters in an old non released movie come out of the movie and Tim and his friends in the real world and the movie must find a way to stop the monsters. The movie has bullies, geeks, parents, a love intrest, et cetera."
"This movie is based on Tim Stoker's experience as a monster movie geek. The monsters in an old non released movie come out of the movie and Tim and his friends in the real world and the movie must find a way to stop the monsters. The movie has bullies, geeks, parents, a love intrest, et cetera."
On this day in 2004, Alive enjoyed its U.S. home video premiere. Adapted and directed by Ryûhei Kitamura, the SciFi feature starred Hideo Sakaki and Ryô, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After survivng his own execution, Tenshu choses to be subjected to the bizarre experiments of the prison officials."
"After survivng his own execution, Tenshu choses to be subjected to the bizarre experiments of the prison officials."
A star is born! On this day in 2004 (in Russia), Gargoyle opened up and howled on the silver screen. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Two CIA agents are sent to Bucharest, Romania to solve a high profile kidnapping. But what they discover is something inexplicable. An evil gargoyle, once thought dead and banished forever, has returned with a vengeance."
"Two CIA agents are sent to Bucharest, Romania to solve a high profile kidnapping. But what they discover is something inexplicable. An evil gargoyle, once thought dead and banished forever, has returned with a vengeance."
On this day in 2008 (in Finland), the 1982-produced Battletruck played for audiences in attendance of the Night Visions Film Festival According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Post World War III futuristic tale of collapsed governments & bankrupt countries heralding a new lawless age."
"Post World War III futuristic tale of collapsed governments & bankrupt countries heralding a new lawless age."
A star is born! On this day in 2008 (in the U.S.), IMDB.com reports that the film Humanity's End enjoyed a limited theatrical release. Written (in part) and directed by Neil Johnson, the picture starred Jay Laisne, Rochelle Vallese, and Cynthia Ickes. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The last man in the universe is hunted down by a hybrid race known as the Nephilim."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Humanity's End enjoyed a wee bit of praise from screenings of the film festival circuit.
"The last man in the universe is hunted down by a hybrid race known as the Nephilim."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Humanity's End enjoyed a wee bit of praise from screenings of the film festival circuit.
On this day in 2010, the 2002-produced SciFi feature Teknolust found release in the United States. The film starred Tilda Swinton and Jeremy Davies, and here's the premise as listed on IMDB.com:
"Anxious to use artificial life to improve the world, Rosetta Stone, a bio-geneticist creates a Recipe for Cyborgs and uses her own DNA in order to breed three Self Replicating Automatons, part human, part computer named Ruby, Olive and Marine. The SRA's act as 'portals' on the Internet, helping users to fulfill their dreams. The SRA's are nourished through touch. Because they were bred only with Rosetta's DNA, they need the balance of an Y chromo or male sperm to survive. Rosetta projects seduction scenes from movie clips onto Ruby, which absorbs as she sleeps. The SRA'S can not distinguish dreams from reality. Ruby acts out these scenes in real life with the men and shares her spoils with her sisters. However, Ruby's encounters suffer from impotence and unexplained rashes. Fearing a bio-gender war, the FBI sends in Agent Edward Hopper to solve the mystery."
"Anxious to use artificial life to improve the world, Rosetta Stone, a bio-geneticist creates a Recipe for Cyborgs and uses her own DNA in order to breed three Self Replicating Automatons, part human, part computer named Ruby, Olive and Marine. The SRA's act as 'portals' on the Internet, helping users to fulfill their dreams. The SRA's are nourished through touch. Because they were bred only with Rosetta's DNA, they need the balance of an Y chromo or male sperm to survive. Rosetta projects seduction scenes from movie clips onto Ruby, which absorbs as she sleeps. The SRA'S can not distinguish dreams from reality. Ruby acts out these scenes in real life with the men and shares her spoils with her sisters. However, Ruby's encounters suffer from impotence and unexplained rashes. Fearing a bio-gender war, the FBI sends in Agent Edward Hopper to solve the mystery."
A star is born! On this day in 2011 (in France and India), 7 Aum Arivu premiered theatrically. The SciFi/Fantasy feature starred Suriya and Shruti Haasan, and here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"A genetic engineering student tries to bring back the skills of a legend of the past and use his skills to save India from a deadly virus attack by China."
For the record:
I wouldn't be doing my part if I failed to mention that 7 Aum Arivu won a pair of statues from the 2012 Ananda Vikatan Cinema Awards, taking home the gold for 'Best Art Direction' and 'Best Makeup Artist.' Also in 2012, star Shruti Haasan took home the 'Best Female Debut' from the Filmfare Awards South.
"A genetic engineering student tries to bring back the skills of a legend of the past and use his skills to save India from a deadly virus attack by China."
For the record:
I wouldn't be doing my part if I failed to mention that 7 Aum Arivu won a pair of statues from the 2012 Ananda Vikatan Cinema Awards, taking home the gold for 'Best Art Direction' and 'Best Makeup Artist.' Also in 2012, star Shruti Haasan took home the 'Best Female Debut' from the Filmfare Awards South.
On this day in 2011, Ra.One premiered theatrically in India. It starred Shah Rukh Khan and Arjun Rampal, and here's the plot summary as listed on IMDB.com:
"A video game developer's world spirals out of control when his shape-shifting indestructible virtual creation becomes all too real."
"A video game developer's world spirals out of control when his shape-shifting indestructible virtual creation becomes all too real."
A star is born! On this day in 2012 (in Germany), Clonehunter enjoyed its general release into the home video marketplace. Directed by Andrew Bellware from a story by Eric Steele, the SciFi/Thriller starred Tzaddi Allick, Jef Betz, and Greg Oliver Bodine. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a future where the elite live forever, a vigilante uncovers a conspiracy involving secrets hidden in the deep of space."
"In a future where the elite live forever, a vigilante uncovers a conspiracy involving secrets hidden in the deep of space."
A star is born! On this day in 2012 (in the United Kingdom), Space Milkshake enjoyed its first theatrical presentation for ever when it was screened for audiences in attendance of the London Comic Con. Written and directed by Armen Evrensel, the SciFi/Comedy starred Kristin Kreuk, Amanda Tapping, and Billy Boyd. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Under-paid, over-worked front line workers are keeping vital space routes clear of orbital debris when they are faced with a series of global catastrophes on their duty shift. Asteroids, black market time cubes, broken vending machines, rogue AI, murder - all conspire to ruin their vibe. Finally when all hope seems lost, they're pretty sure there's a monster on board the station. Somehow they all get laid, including the rubber duck."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Space Milkshake received a lot of love -- three big wins -- when it played for folks in attendance of the Louisville Fright Night Film Festival.
"Under-paid, over-worked front line workers are keeping vital space routes clear of orbital debris when they are faced with a series of global catastrophes on their duty shift. Asteroids, black market time cubes, broken vending machines, rogue AI, murder - all conspire to ruin their vibe. Finally when all hope seems lost, they're pretty sure there's a monster on board the station. Somehow they all get laid, including the rubber duck."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Space Milkshake received a lot of love -- three big wins -- when it played for folks in attendance of the Louisville Fright Night Film Festival.
A star is born! On this day in 2013 (in the U.S.), the audiences in attendance of the New Mexico Fright Fest were treated to the big screen premiere of An Irish Exorcism (aka The Exorcism Diary). Directed by Eric Courtney from a story by Martin Robinson, the Horror/Fantasy starred Paddy C. Courtney, Anna Davis, and Brian Fortune. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"THE EXORCISM DIARY is a story about an Exorcism carried out in a country house in Ireland. The tale deals with the effects of the Exorcism on the six individuals involved, two Priests, two students documenting the event, and a mother and daughter."
ExtraExtra Alert:
Back in the days of the film's original release on home video (in the U.S.), I had the good fortune of receiving a complimentary DVD in exchange for a review. Interested in my thoughts on the project? Readers can find my review right here.
"THE EXORCISM DIARY is a story about an Exorcism carried out in a country house in Ireland. The tale deals with the effects of the Exorcism on the six individuals involved, two Priests, two students documenting the event, and a mother and daughter."
ExtraExtra Alert:
Back in the days of the film's original release on home video (in the U.S.), I had the good fortune of receiving a complimentary DVD in exchange for a review. Interested in my thoughts on the project? Readers can find my review right here.
A star is born! On this day in 2013, the SciFi/Horror film Zombex found its way to life, playing for audiences in attedance of the Housecore Horror Film Festival. The feature starred Lew Temple and Malcolm McDowell, and here's the premise as listed on IMDB.com:
"As things are turning around for the city, people must face a disaster of epic proportions. They are dealing with the prospect of losing the people of New Orleans as they turn into the city's walking dead."
"As things are turning around for the city, people must face a disaster of epic proportions. They are dealing with the prospect of losing the people of New Orleans as they turn into the city's walking dead."
A star is born! On this day in 2014 (in the U.S.), Interstellar delivered heavy themes and dire circumstances for our world with its silver screen premiere held in Hollywood, California. Written (in part) and directed by Christopher Nolan, the SciFi/Drama starred Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, and Jessica Chastain. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A team of explorers travel through a wormhole in space in an attempt to ensure humanity's survival."
For the record:
Without a doubt, Interstellar captured the hearts and minds of audiences and critics, and the film has enjoyed a wealth of praise from organizations near and far. At the 2015 Saturn Awards, the flick received an incredible eleven nominations but only took home trophies in the categories of 'Best Music,' 'Best Writing,' 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Production Design,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' At the 2015 Academy Awards, the film enjoyed five nominations but only went home with the gold in the category of 'Best Achievement In Visual Effects.' At the 2015 Hugo Awards, Interstellar received a nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation - Long Form.'
"A team of explorers travel through a wormhole in space in an attempt to ensure humanity's survival."
For the record:
Without a doubt, Interstellar captured the hearts and minds of audiences and critics, and the film has enjoyed a wealth of praise from organizations near and far. At the 2015 Saturn Awards, the flick received an incredible eleven nominations but only took home trophies in the categories of 'Best Music,' 'Best Writing,' 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Production Design,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' At the 2015 Academy Awards, the film enjoyed five nominations but only went home with the gold in the category of 'Best Achievement In Visual Effects.' At the 2015 Hugo Awards, Interstellar received a nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation - Long Form.'
A star is born! On this day in 2017 (in China), the city of Beijing hosted the theatrical premiere of Justice League. Directed by Joss Whedon, the Fantasy feature starred Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, and Gal Gadot. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Fueled by his restored faith in humanity and inspired by Superman's selfless act, Bruce Wayne enlists the help of his new-found ally, Diana Prince, to face an even greater enemy."
"Fueled by his restored faith in humanity and inspired by Superman's selfless act, Bruce Wayne enlists the help of his new-found ally, Diana Prince, to face an even greater enemy."
A star is born! On this day in 2017 (in Turkey), Kulucka (aka Incubation) enjoyed its only theatrical screening of record (if IMDB.com is to be trusted). Written and directed by Mehmet Selcuk Bilge, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Nur Ertem, Dilara Tekin, and Stefani Terziyan. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"If you try to run away and hide from the truth, you circle back and end up where you started."
"If you try to run away and hide from the truth, you circle back and end up where you started."
On this day in 2017 (in the Netherlands), Zardoz played for audiences in attendance of the Amsterdamned Film Festival. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"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."
A star is born! On this day in 2018 (in the U.S.), Baby Frankenstein enjoyed its first theatrical exhibition when it was screened for the good people of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Written (in part) and directed by Jon YonKondy, the SciFi/Comedy starred Andre Gower, Rance Nix, and T.J. Rotell. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The story of Lance and his unlikely friendship with a self-aware, pint-sized automaton."
"The story of Lance and his unlikely friendship with a self-aware, pint-sized automaton."
A star is born! On this day in 2018 (in the U.S.), Mail Order Monster enjoyed its first theatrical presentation ever when it was screened for audiences in attendance of the Portland Film Festival. Written (in part) and directed by Paulina Lagudii Ulrich, this family-friendly SciFi/Drama starred Charisma Carpenter, Josh Hopkins, and Emma Rayne Lyle. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A girl seeks help and guidance from a robot monster to cope with the bullies at school and her father's new girlfriend."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Mail Order Monster enjoyed a wee bit of attention from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"A girl seeks help and guidance from a robot monster to cope with the bullies at school and her father's new girlfriend."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Mail Order Monster enjoyed a wee bit of attention from screenings on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 2018 (in Poland), The Cured enjoyed a limited theatrical release. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A disease that turns people into zombies has been cured. The once-infected zombies are discriminated against by society and their own families, which causes social issues to arise. This leads to militant government interference."
"A disease that turns people into zombies has been cured. The once-infected zombies are discriminated against by society and their own families, which causes social issues to arise. This leads to militant government interference."
On this day in 1951 (in the U.S.), Tales Of Tomorrow aired "Test Flight." This served as the tenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"An ambitious, headstrong businessman uses his huge personal fortune to construct a spaceship that will take him to Mars."
"An ambitious, headstrong businessman uses his huge personal fortune to construct a spaceship that will take him to Mars."
On this day in 1956 (in the U.S.), Science Fiction Theatre aired "The Voice." Officially, this served as the twenty-sixth episode in the program's second (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An attorney has evidence that could clear a man scheduled to be executed in a few days. But on his way to present the evidence, he is involved in a plane crash that leaves him paralyzed and unable to speak. He finds he must use the only means of communication left to him---mental telepathy, which until now he has not believed in."
"An attorney has evidence that could clear a man scheduled to be executed in a few days. But on his way to present the evidence, he is involved in a plane crash that leaves him paralyzed and unable to speak. He finds he must use the only means of communication left to him---mental telepathy, which until now he has not believed in."
On this day back in 1964 (in the U.S.), Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea -- a program I've only seen a handful of episodes of -- aired the seventh episode of its inaugural season. The adventure was titled "Turn Back the Clock." Here's the summary from IMDB.com:
"Nine months ago a diving bell was lost with four men aboard during an Antarctic expedition. One man, Jason Kemp, is found alive. He is suffering from amnesia and can't remember anything after the dive. Nelson thinks he may be suffering from shock as he rambles on about a tropical land filled with monsters. Kemp and Carol Denning, an underwater photographer and the daughter of one of the missing men, joins the Seaview and returns to the place where the bell was lost. Their bell suffers the same fate and Nelson, Crane, Kemp and Carol Denning somehow find themselves washed up on a tropical beach in the frozen Antarctic."
"Nine months ago a diving bell was lost with four men aboard during an Antarctic expedition. One man, Jason Kemp, is found alive. He is suffering from amnesia and can't remember anything after the dive. Nelson thinks he may be suffering from shock as he rambles on about a tropical land filled with monsters. Kemp and Carol Denning, an underwater photographer and the daughter of one of the missing men, joins the Seaview and returns to the place where the bell was lost. Their bell suffers the same fate and Nelson, Crane, Kemp and Carol Denning somehow find themselves washed up on a tropical beach in the frozen Antarctic."
On this day in 1966 (in the U.S.), Lost In Space aired "The Android Machine." Officially, this served as the seventh episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Doctor Smith creates an android that they teach to be more human. A humanoid shows up looking for payment for the android."
"Doctor Smith creates an android that they teach to be more human. A humanoid shows up looking for payment for the android."
On this day back in 1967 (in the United Kingdom), "The Schizoid Man" aired as part of The Prisoner's only season. Here's the summary from IMDB.com:
"Having helped Number Twenty-Four in a telepathy experiment The Prisoner bruises his thumb. A new Number Two has him taken to hospital and when he wakes up he has undergone a physical transformation. He is told that he is actually Number Twelve and it is task to find out why Number Six resigned. When he returns to his cottage he is confronted by a double for Number six,who engages him in various tests. However, the realization that he bruised his thumb makes him recall his true identity and resist Number Two's scheme."
"Having helped Number Twenty-Four in a telepathy experiment The Prisoner bruises his thumb. A new Number Two has him taken to hospital and when he wakes up he has undergone a physical transformation. He is told that he is actually Number Twelve and it is task to find out why Number Six resigned. When he returns to his cottage he is confronted by a double for Number six,who engages him in various tests. However, the realization that he bruised his thumb makes him recall his true identity and resist Number Two's scheme."
On this day in 1968 (in the U.S.), Fantastic Voyage aired "Gone Today Here Tomorrow." Officially, this served as the seventh episode in the program's only season on original broadcast television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Various toys that were used to test the miniaturization machine when it broke down, reappear on the miniaturize platform and have somehow come alive."
"Various toys that were used to test the miniaturization machine when it broke down, reappear on the miniaturize platform and have somehow come alive."
On this day in 1970 (in the United Kingdom), Timeslip aired "The Wrong End Of Time: Part 5." Officially, this served as the fifth episode in the program's only season on original broadcast television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When a young girl vanishes near a derelict naval station in St. Oswald, a fantastic series of events is set in motion which sends teenagers Simon Randall and Liz Skinner back in time to 1940 and the very night when the base was taken over by a group of German marines."
"When a young girl vanishes near a derelict naval station in St. Oswald, a fantastic series of events is set in motion which sends teenagers Simon Randall and Liz Skinner back in time to 1940 and the very night when the base was taken over by a group of German marines."
On this day in 1974 (in the U.S.), Partridge Family 2200 A.D. aired "Laurie's Computer Date." This served as the eighth episode of its only season, and here's the plot summary from the Partridge Family 2200 A.D. online website:
"After Keith and Danny scare away Laurie's date to the Harvest Ball, she forces them to cancel their own dates, in order to take her. To get out of their obligation, Keith and Danny arrange for a computer date, which arrives as a clumsy robot named Stanley Steel."
"After Keith and Danny scare away Laurie's date to the Harvest Ball, she forces them to cancel their own dates, in order to take her. To get out of their obligation, Keith and Danny arrange for a computer date, which arrives as a clumsy robot named Stanley Steel."
On this day in 1975 (in the U.S.), The Six Million Dollar Man aired "Target In The Sky." This served as the seventh episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Steve goes undercover as lumberjack 'Steve Parker' when a government agent goes missing after reporting a missile station near Wixted Lumber Camp."
"Steve goes undercover as lumberjack 'Steve Parker' when a government agent goes missing after reporting a missile station near Wixted Lumber Camp."
It all began right here: on this day in 1981 (in the United Kingdom), Astronauts aired "One In Four Goes." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Britain's first three astronauts blast off to make their in an orbiting Skylab on a mission which will hopefully break an endurance record in space."
"Britain's first three astronauts blast off to make their in an orbiting Skylab on a mission which will hopefully break an endurance record in space."
On this day in 1981 (in the U.S.), Blake's 7 aired "Animals." This served as the fifth episode of the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Avon sets out to recruit Justin, one of Dayna's former tutors and former lover who is conducting genetic engineering experiments. But Serverlan captures Dayna and brainwashes her into hating Justin and forces Justin share with her his discoveries on his experiments."
"Avon sets out to recruit Justin, one of Dayna's former tutors and former lover who is conducting genetic engineering experiments. But Serverlan captures Dayna and brainwashes her into hating Justin and forces Justin share with her his discoveries on his experiments."
It all began right here: after two miniseries, V finally premiered as a regular weekly series ("Liberationi Day") on this day back in 1984. (in the U.S.) Sadly, it didn't have all the pomp, circumstances, and relevance of those minis; instead, it adopted more of a traditional pulp feel common to alien invasion stories. Still, it was grand while it lasted, and the Resistance carried on for a full season.
On this day in 1985 (in the United Kingdom), The Tripods aired "The City of Gold." This served as the eighth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Will is introduced to one of the ruling class, a Cognosc, who questions him about his thoughts. Fritz finds a hidden map of the city which reveals a useful secret."
"Will is introduced to one of the ruling class, a Cognosc, who questions him about his thoughts. Fritz finds a hidden map of the city which reveals a useful secret."
On the day in 1986, the United Kingdom was treated to the fifth episode of Chocky's Challenge. According to our friends at TV.com, here's the plot summary:
"Major Gibson watches closely as work continues on the next stage of the project. Paul runs away and Albertine tries to pursue him. He leads her to his mother's house where Albertine discovers that his mother is in fact Dr Liddle. Paul has been giving her the details of the project and she believes their proof. Gibson reveals to Meyer and the children that he wants to take over from them and use what they have so far."
"Major Gibson watches closely as work continues on the next stage of the project. Paul runs away and Albertine tries to pursue him. He leads her to his mother's house where Albertine discovers that his mother is in fact Dr Liddle. Paul has been giving her the details of the project and she believes their proof. Gibson reveals to Meyer and the children that he wants to take over from them and use what they have so far."
On this day in 1987 (in the U.S.), ALF aired "Some Enchanted Evening." Officially, this served as the sixth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Halloween is approaching and ALF wants to go trick-or-treating. Kate, of course, objects, but ALF persists. He argues that he has a natural costume and tries offering Willie a deal he can't refuse... Lynn presents Lizard to her parents."
"Halloween is approaching and ALF wants to go trick-or-treating. Kate, of course, objects, but ALF persists. He argues that he has a natural costume and tries offering Willie a deal he can't refuse... Lynn presents Lizard to her parents."
On this day in 1987 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "Paradise Towers: Part 4." Officially, this served as the eighth episode in the program's twenty-fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Meeting up at the pool, the Doctor leads the surviving Rezzies, Kangs and Caretakers as they draw the line together on the 245th floor against the systematic cleansing of all life by Kroagnon and his robotic Cleaners."
"Meeting up at the pool, the Doctor leads the surviving Rezzies, Kangs and Caretakers as they draw the line together on the 245th floor against the systematic cleansing of all life by Kroagnon and his robotic Cleaners."
On this day in 1988 (in the U.S.), Doctor Who aired "Remembrance Of The Daleks: Part 4." This served as the fourth episode of the program's twenty-fifth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Imperial Dalek Emperor reveals himself to be an old, familiar adversary of the Doctor. Now with the Hand of Omega, the Imperial Daleks expect to rule over both time and the Time Lords. The only snag in the Doctor's plan to thwart this may come from the fascist mole in Gilmore's unit - discovered and detained but escaped to cause mischief, putting both Ace's life and the Doctor's plan at risk."
"The Imperial Dalek Emperor reveals himself to be an old, familiar adversary of the Doctor. Now with the Hand of Omega, the Imperial Daleks expect to rule over both time and the Time Lords. The only snag in the Doctor's plan to thwart this may come from the fascist mole in Gilmore's unit - discovered and detained but escaped to cause mischief, putting both Ace's life and the Doctor's plan at risk."
On this day in 1990 (in the U.S.), Quantum Leap aired "The Boogieman." Officially, this served as the fifth episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Everything goes wrong when Sam leaps into a Gothic horror novelist on Halloween."
"Everything goes wrong when Sam leaps into a Gothic horror novelist on Halloween."
On this day in 1991 (in the U.S.), Star Trek: The Next Generation explored addiction in the cleverly prescient episode titled "The Game." This served as the sixth hour to the program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TrekCore.com:
"During a visit from Wesley, a holographic game Riker picked up on a visit to Risa begins to circulate around the ship, making every member of the crew who plays it an addict. When Wes discovers how the game works, he becomes a hunted fugitive on the ship."
"During a visit from Wesley, a holographic game Riker picked up on a visit to Risa begins to circulate around the ship, making every member of the crew who plays it an addict. When Wes discovers how the game works, he becomes a hunted fugitive on the ship."
On this day in 1994 (in the U.S.), Babylon 5 aired "Chrysalis." Officially, this served as the twenty-second episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Garibaldi investigates a death on the station which leads him to a terrible discovery."
"Garibaldi investigates a death on the station which leads him to a terrible discovery."
On this day in 1996 (in the U.S.), Dark Skies aired "Dark Days Night." This served as the fourth episode of the cult program's only season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"Loengard and Sayers uncover a Hive plot to use the Beatles American television but to induce a mass suicide."
"Loengard and Sayers uncover a Hive plot to use the Beatles American television but to induce a mass suicide."
On this day in 1998 (in the U.S.), Earth: Final Conflict aired "Dimensions." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Liam and Augur are in a Taelon shuttle craft, when something happens they get thrown into a parallel universe. They discover that humanity is at war with the Taelons. They're taken by the rebels and discover that Sandoval's counterpart leads them. And Lili's works for the Taelons."
"Liam and Augur are in a Taelon shuttle craft, when something happens they get thrown into a parallel universe. They discover that humanity is at war with the Taelons. They're taken by the rebels and discover that Sandoval's counterpart leads them. And Lili's works for the Taelons."
On this day in 1998 (in the United Kingdom), Space Island One aired "Love Lines." Officially, this served as the eleventh episode in the program's second (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TV.com:
"Earth is devastated after a nuclear explosion causing a deadly disease break-out. The crew of Unity begin to experience friction among themselves as a result."
"Earth is devastated after a nuclear explosion causing a deadly disease break-out. The crew of Unity begin to experience friction among themselves as a result."
On this day in 2001 (in Australia), Cybergirl aired the thirteenth episode of its only season on original broadcast television. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Fed up of constantly having to run and hide from Isaac and Xanda, Cybergirl decides it is time to confront them. However, these two Cyber Replicants have different plans."
"Fed up of constantly having to run and hide from Isaac and Xanda, Cybergirl decides it is time to confront them. However, these two Cyber Replicants have different plans."
On this day in 2001 (in the U.S.), Fox TV's Dark Angel aired "Radar Love." This served as the fourth hour of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"Max and Logan are separated by the virus. Their loneliness compels them to date other people. Meanwhile, a virus is on the rampage in Chinatown. Because there is a rumored transgenic in the area, the public starts to believe that this monster is the source of the illness. In reality, White has asked a scientist to engineer a virus targeted specifically at Manticore's escapees. The death in Chinatown was just a demonstration for White."
"Max and Logan are separated by the virus. Their loneliness compels them to date other people. Meanwhile, a virus is on the rampage in Chinatown. Because there is a rumored transgenic in the area, the public starts to believe that this monster is the source of the illness. In reality, White has asked a scientist to engineer a virus targeted specifically at Manticore's escapees. The death in Chinatown was just a demonstration for White."
On this day in 2002 (in the U.S.), Mobile Suit Gundam Seed aired "Silent Run." This served as the fourth episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Like a delicate leaf torn from its branch by the violent winds of a storm, the fragile flower that was Heliopolis fell from the sky amidst the flames of battle and the cries of friendship ending. The colony destroyed, Kira and the Archangel crew find themselves tasked with a desperate flight to Artemis, the Eurasian fortress asteroid that they hope will give them supplies and take them in until they can make a run for the Earth Alliance Headquarters on the Moon. In order to do this, Murrue Ramius, now captain of the Archangel, must guide the ship on a silent run, to try and sneak past Rau Le Creuset and his waiting duo of ZAFT ships. On his way back to the Archangel, Kira retrieves one of the Helipolis escape pods and brings it back to the ship, despite protests. Onboard is Flay Allster, one of Kira's friends who did not escape with him. Having rescued her and two dozen others from certain death in the depths of space should make him happy, but as he is once again approached by Mu La ..."
"Like a delicate leaf torn from its branch by the violent winds of a storm, the fragile flower that was Heliopolis fell from the sky amidst the flames of battle and the cries of friendship ending. The colony destroyed, Kira and the Archangel crew find themselves tasked with a desperate flight to Artemis, the Eurasian fortress asteroid that they hope will give them supplies and take them in until they can make a run for the Earth Alliance Headquarters on the Moon. In order to do this, Murrue Ramius, now captain of the Archangel, must guide the ship on a silent run, to try and sneak past Rau Le Creuset and his waiting duo of ZAFT ships. On his way back to the Archangel, Kira retrieves one of the Helipolis escape pods and brings it back to the ship, despite protests. Onboard is Flay Allster, one of Kira's friends who did not escape with him. Having rescued her and two dozen others from certain death in the depths of space should make him happy, but as he is once again approached by Mu La ..."
On this day in 2002 (in the U.S.), Mutant X aired "Whose Woods These Are." This served as fourth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The team head into the wilderness to track down a killer beast which is targeting hikers."
"The team head into the wilderness to track down a killer beast which is targeting hikers."
On this day in 2007 (in the U.S.), Stargate: Atlantis aired "Travelers." This served as the fifth episode of the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Sheppard is kidnapped by a group of people living in a starship fleet. They were telling him that they were living on these ships for a long time, due to the war with the Wraith. He was forced to help them make an ancient's ship fly. Sheppard tricked them and flew with the ship, and 3 of the kidnappers."
"Sheppard is kidnapped by a group of people living in a starship fleet. They were telling him that they were living on these ships for a long time, due to the war with the Wraith. He was forced to help them make an ancient's ship fly. Sheppard tricked them and flew with the ship, and 3 of the kidnappers."
On this day in 2010 (in the United Kingdom), The Sarah Jane Adventures aired "Death of the Doctor - Part 2." This served as the sixth episode of the program's fourth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Before he can die, The Doctor with Jo and Sarah Jane, teleports to the deserted planet. The Doctor swaps places with Clyde, who, with Rani and Santiago, is pursued by the Shansheeths and their ally, Tia Karim, who has helped them as she is bored with life on Earth."
"Before he can die, The Doctor with Jo and Sarah Jane, teleports to the deserted planet. The Doctor swaps places with Clyde, who, with Rani and Santiago, is pursued by the Shansheeths and their ally, Tia Karim, who has helped them as she is bored with life on Earth."
On this day in 2012 (in the U.S.), Fringe aired the fourth episode of its fifth and final season. The hour was titled "The Bullet That Saved the World," and here's the plot summary from our friends at IMDB.com:
"An act of kindness by Peter draws attention to Etta. The Observers deal with an infiltrator and we learn of a resistance leader known as the Dove and coincidentally that that Phillip Broyles is working with the Observers."
"An act of kindness by Peter draws attention to Etta. The Observers deal with an infiltrator and we learn of a resistance leader known as the Dove and coincidentally that that Phillip Broyles is working with the Observers."
It all began right here: Tron: Uprising was one of those programs that, quite probably, never really had a chance. Being based on the disappointing sequel (TRON: Legacy) to a wildly popular original (TRON), I'm not sure producers knew quite what they were doing; serving up a series without a strong central premise wasn't a good decision. "Scars, Part 1" premiered on this day back in 2012 (in the U.S.), and here's the summary from IMDB.com:
"An old friend who betrayed and crippled Tron arrives in Argon City. Tron will not let anything stand in his way to achieve his revenge, not even Beck."
"An old friend who betrayed and crippled Tron arrives in Argon City. Tron will not let anything stand in his way to achieve his revenge, not even Beck."
On this day in 2015 (in the U.S.), Fox TV's Minority Report aired "Fiddler's Neck." This served as the sixth episode in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Dash and Arthur think a young, sick girl living in a community that eschews the use of modern technology is in danger."
"Dash and Arthur think a young, sick girl living in a community that eschews the use of modern technology is in danger."
On this day in 2015 (in the U.S.), TV audiences will believe a girl can fly when CBS premieres Supergirl as part of its Monday night lineup. According to the fine folks at IMDB.com, here's what the pilot episode was all about:
"Twenty-four-year-old Kara Zor-El, cousin of Superman, who was taken in by the Danvers family when she was 12 after being sent away from Krypton, must learn to embrace her powers after previously hiding them."
"Twenty-four-year-old Kara Zor-El, cousin of Superman, who was taken in by the Danvers family when she was 12 after being sent away from Krypton, must learn to embrace her powers after previously hiding them."
On this day in 2017 (in the United Kingdom), Red Dwarf aired "Timewave." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's twelfth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A time phenomenon ripples through time, revealing a ship heading straight into the path of an oncoming gas moon. The crew venture on-board, but the ship's unorthodox anti-criticism law proves hard to handle."
"A time phenomenon ripples through time, revealing a ship heading straight into the path of an oncoming gas moon. The crew venture on-board, but the ship's unorthodox anti-criticism law proves hard to handle."
On this day in 2017 (in the U.S.), The Orville aired "Majority Rule." Officially, this served as the seventh episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Kelly leads a team to find two missing Union anthropologists on a planet similar to Earth."
"Kelly leads a team to find two missing Union anthropologists on a planet similar to Earth."
