"Collaborators" -- the fifth episode in the third season of the new-fangled Battlestar Galactica which aired on this day in 2006 -- saw the survivors of New Caprica reunited with the remainder of the Colonial fleet.
Herschel Daugherty was a workhorse of direction within the television industry, contributing to an incredible number of franchises yet only a few genre properties. His contributions include work in Irwin Allen's The Time Tunnel, Gene Roddenberry's Star Trek, and the popular 1970's SciFi juggernaut The Six Million Dollar Man. Within his lifetime, the man was even nominated for a few television Emmys. Though he's no longer with us, Daugherty was born on this day in 1910. [Source: IMDB.com]
Leif Erickson (above left) enjoyed a prominent role aboard 1953's seminal SciFi feature Invaders From Mars. He also sports work aboard The Six Million Dollar Man: The Solid Gold Kidnapping (1973), The Fantastic Journey, and Project U.F.O. Though he's no longer with us, Erickson was born on this day in 1911. [Source: IMDB.com]
Unless I miss my guess, I'm the only person alive who actually enjoyed the TV Miniseries adaptation of Stephen King's Apocalypse epic, The Stand, for which the fantastic Ruby Dee ably brought 'Mother Abagail Freemantle' to life. Though she's no longer with us, Dee was born on this day in 1922. [Source: IMDB.com]
Actor and writer Michel Galabru had a prominent role in 1986's Kamikaze, the tale of mad scientist creating a means to assassinate people via television waves. Though he's no longer with us, Galabru was born on this day in 1922. [Source: IMDB.com]
Steve Sandor leaves behind a resume reasonably rich in genre work. His background boasts work aboard Star Trek, Matt Helm (TV), Tales of the Unexpected, The Six Million Dollar Man, Fire and Ice (animated), Stryker (1983), Knight Rider, and Superman: The Animated Series. Though he's no longer with us, Sandor was born on this day in 1937. [Source: IMDB.com]
Lara Parker enjoyed a guest spot aboard Galactica 1980, TV's kinda/sorta sequel to the original Battlestar Galactica. She also had roles aboard Dark Shadows, The Six Million Dollar Man, and The Incredible Hulk. Parker was born on this day in 1938. [Source: IMDB.com]
Funnyman John Cleese took time off from joking around to play a serious role as Professor Barnhardt in the 2008 remake of The Day The Earth Stood Still. Cleese was born on this day in 1939. [Source: IMDB.com]
The late Carrie Snodgress leaves behind a legacy of over sixty screen roles. Genre fans might recognize her from work in The Fury (1978), The X-Files, and Phantom 2040 (animated). Though she's no longer with us, Snodgress was born on this day in 1945. [Source: IMDB.com]
You made an appearance in a Star Wars film? Then you make an appearance here on SciFiHistory.Net! Early in his acting career, Angus MacInnes appeared as 'Gold Leader' in that little flick that revolutionized an industry. Those with good eyes might also recognize him from roles aboard Space:1999, Superman II, Outland, Spasms, Judge Dredd, Space Island One, and Hellboy. MacInnes was born on this day in 1947.
Veteran television director James L. Conway has a record that every genre fan should appreciate. He's contributed to such properties as Star Trek: The Next Generation, Legend, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Star Trek: Voyager, Star Trek: Enterprise, Charmed, Supernatural, The Magicians, and The Orville among many other more conventional programs. Conway was born on this day in 1950. [Source: IMDB.com]
Gotta confess: I was really split on Star Trek: Voyager's character of the Holographic Doctor (aka Dr. Zimmerman). Half the time, I thought they made good use of his quirks, interests, and passions; but the other half the time, he seemed like an all-too-convenient plot device. But at all times I had nothing but respect for the work of Robert Picardo, a man who's built an impressive career out of small but memorable performances. Mr. Picardo was born on this day back in 1953.
I thought I had first known British actor Peter Firth from the BBC's Spooks (aka MI-5), but actually I had forgotten his star turn in Lifeforce (1985). Firth did the best he could to chew scenery as the tough and savvy government agent back then, but the script left an awful lot to the imagination. Firth was born on this day in 1953.
Even today, I firmly believe that 1978's Superman - The Movie remains one of the very best comics-to-film adaptations, and much of that is due to the work of all its players, big and small. Jeff East brought the young incarnation of Clark Kent -- the one struggling to understand his place in our world -- to terrific life in the earlier portion of the motion picture. East was born on this day in 1957.
The delicious Deborah Barrymore (aka Deborah Moore) has flirted with some quality genre projects, including work in Warriors of the Apocalypse (1985), Mann & Machine, Quantum Leap, Die Another Day (2002), Tales of the Fourth Dimension (2009), and some voicework aboard Star Wars: Battlefront (2015). Barrymore was born on this day in 1963.
Elias Toufexis is one busy guy. According to IMDB.com, he's only been in the acting biz since 2004, but in that time he's booked appearances on such genre properties as Stephen King's Dead Zone, Blade: The Series, Supernatural, Stargate: Atlantis, Flash Gordon, Eureka, Lost Girl, Smallville, Alphas, Bitten, The Expanse, and much, much more. Toufexis was born on this day in 1975. [Source: IMDB.com]
What would Science Fiction be without its tough but tender female characters? Thank goodness we'll never know! Alexis Zibolis (pictured above) may not have a household name, but she does have a gun in her hand while fighting off Plaguers (2008). Zibolis was born on this day in 1979. [Source: IMDB.com]
Actress (and stunning blonde!) Emilie Ullerup burst onto the fandom scene with a solid part in Syfy's Battlestar Galactica, but she truly found her footing as one of the cast of Syfy's Sanctuary for its first two seasons. Since that time, she's gone on to great work on Smallville, Supernatural, and Almost Human, but I for one would love to see her get a new SciFi franchise. Ullerup was born on this day in 1984. [Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1965, Monster Of Terror reared its monstery head for audiences. The Horror/SciFi feature starred Boris Karloff and Nick Adams, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A young man visits his fiancée's estate to discover that her wheelchair-bound scientist father has discovered a meteorite that emits mutating radiation rays that have turned the plants in his greenhouse to giants. When his own wife falls victim to this mysterious power, the old man takes it upon himself to destroy the glowing object with disastrous results."
"A young man visits his fiancée's estate to discover that her wheelchair-bound scientist father has discovered a meteorite that emits mutating radiation rays that have turned the plants in his greenhouse to giants. When his own wife falls victim to this mysterious power, the old man takes it upon himself to destroy the glowing object with disastrous results."
On this day in 1977, the original Star Wars finally went down under ... Australia, that is ... as the motion picture premiered on that continent. The film starred Mark Hamill and Alec Guinness, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Luke Skywalker joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a Wookiee, and two droids to save the galaxy from the Empire's world-destroying battle-station, while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia from the evil Darth Vader."
"Luke Skywalker joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a Wookiee, and two droids to save the galaxy from the Empire's world-destroying battle-station, while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia from the evil Darth Vader."
Look out! It's the Apocalypse! On this day in 1984 (in the Philippines), the end came alive again aboard Rush. The feature starred Bruno Minniti and Laura Trotter, and here's the plot summary as listed on IMDB.com:
"In a post-nuclear holocaust world, a survivor roams the desert, fighting bandits and the forces of an evil warlord."
"In a post-nuclear holocaust world, a survivor roams the desert, fighting bandits and the forces of an evil warlord."
On this day in 2009, 2012: Supernova blasted into existence. This home video release starred Brian Krause and Heather McComb, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A scientist, races against a deadline to place a shield between the Earth and the oncoming blast-wave from a Supernova. As well as the efforts of doom cult to sabotage the project believing it to be God's Will Course" and allow the population of the Earth to be consumed by the intense radiation in the wave."
"A scientist, races against a deadline to place a shield between the Earth and the oncoming blast-wave from a Supernova. As well as the efforts of doom cult to sabotage the project believing it to be God's Will Course" and allow the population of the Earth to be consumed by the intense radiation in the wave."
On this day in 2011 (in Argentina), the Fantasy-themed Bloodrayne: The Third Reich premiered on home video. The feature starred Natassia Malthe and Brendan Fletcher, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Rayne fights against the Nazis in Europe during World War II, encountering Ekart Brand, a Nazi leader whose target is to inject Adolf Hitler with Rayne's blood in an attempt to transform him into a dhampir and attain immortality."
"Rayne fights against the Nazis in Europe during World War II, encountering Ekart Brand, a Nazi leader whose target is to inject Adolf Hitler with Rayne's blood in an attempt to transform him into a dhampir and attain immortality."
On this day in 2016, the SciFi/Thriller Lost Solace had its premiere at the Horrorthon Festival Dublin. The feature starred Andrew Jenkins and Melissa Roxburgh, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Spence Cutler is a psychopath. He's never felt empathy or guilt. However, a fateful encounter with a new drug is about to give him a dose of too much reality, and he takes a mind-bending trip down the psychedelic highway of consciousness to come face to face with his own morality and his own twisted soul."
"Spence Cutler is a psychopath. He's never felt empathy or guilt. However, a fateful encounter with a new drug is about to give him a dose of too much reality, and he takes a mind-bending trip down the psychedelic highway of consciousness to come face to face with his own morality and his own twisted soul."
On this day in 1961, The Twilight Zone aired "The Grave." This served as the seventh episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Old West lawman Conny Miller visits the grave of a man who he failed to track down to prove he was never afraid of him but gets more than he bargained for."
"Old West lawman Conny Miller visits the grave of a man who he failed to track down to prove he was never afraid of him but gets more than he bargained for."
On this day in 1965, "My Friend, Mr. Nobody" saw Lost In Space's Penny Robinson striking up an unlikely friendship with little more than a deep voice in an alien cave.
On this day in 1966, Captain Kirk and the crew of the Starship Enterprise met "Miri," the eighth episode of StarTrek's first season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The Enterprise discovers a planet exactly like Earth, but the only inhabitants are children who contract a fatal disease upon entering puberty."
"The Enterprise discovers a planet exactly like Earth, but the only inhabitants are children who contract a fatal disease upon entering puberty."
I have always (always) hated those special holiday-themed episodes of my regular viewing pleasures, and the second season stinker of Star Trek (TOS) titled "Catspaw" is no exception. (Who knows? Maybe this is exactly 'why' I hate 'em!) Clearly, it was intended to be a Halloween-themed show of Star Trek ... but I ask you, "Who celebrates Halloween in space?" This boldly went nowhere and nowhere fast! It first aired on this day back in 1967.
On this day in 1973, The Starlost aired "And Only Man Is Vile." This served as the sixth episode of the program's first (and only) season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The trio discover an empty 'leisure' biosphere. Behind the scenes a ruthless scientist works to produce humans strong and savage enough to survive anything they may find on their new home - at the expense of friendship and trust."
"The trio discover an empty 'leisure' biosphere. Behind the scenes a ruthless scientist works to produce humans strong and savage enough to survive anything they may find on their new home - at the expense of friendship and trust."
On this day in 1973, "The Magicks of Megas-Tu" aired as the eighth episode of Star Trek: The Animated Series's first season. According to our friends over at Trekcore.com, here's the plot summary:
"On a mission to investigate the theory of creation, the Enterprise is pulled to the center of the galaxy by Lucien, a devil-like creature who bestows the crew with magic powers. However, when the crew misuses their powers, Lucien is accused of brining evil to his planet of Megas-Tu."
"On a mission to investigate the theory of creation, the Enterprise is pulled to the center of the galaxy by Lucien, a devil-like creature who bestows the crew with magic powers. However, when the crew misuses their powers, Lucien is accused of brining evil to his planet of Megas-Tu."
On this day in 1974 (in Japan), Star Blazers continued blazing its trail into television history, airing an adventure titled "Underground City." According to our friends at TV.com, here's the plot summary:
"Wildstar learns the meaning of the encrypted message."
"Wildstar learns the meaning of the encrypted message."
On this day in 1976, part one of a two-part crossover event aired on The Bionic Woman with "Kill Oscar: Part 1." This served as the fifth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Ex-OSI scientist Dr. Franklin is being backed by foreign powers to steal the experimental weather control device he once worked on. To do so, he devices a plan to replace the secretaries of the six most important men in the OSI with Fembot duplicates. First up are Rudy Well's secretary Lynda Rosand and Oscar Goldman's right hand woman Peggy Callahan. However, the Fembots have an unnerving effect on Jaime Sommer's bionic hearing."
"Ex-OSI scientist Dr. Franklin is being backed by foreign powers to steal the experimental weather control device he once worked on. To do so, he devices a plan to replace the secretaries of the six most important men in the OSI with Fembot duplicates. First up are Rudy Well's secretary Lynda Rosand and Oscar Goldman's right hand woman Peggy Callahan. However, the Fembots have an unnerving effect on Jaime Sommer's bionic hearing."
On this day in 1976 (in the United Kingdom), Star Maidens aired "What Have They Done to the Rain?" It was the ninth episode of the cult program's only season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Rudi is labouring on the surface when rain starts reacting catastrophically with toxic waste in the soil, threatening the whole civilisation. Rudi knows why, but will the Council listen to a man?"
"Rudi is labouring on the surface when rain starts reacting catastrophically with toxic waste in the soil, threatening the whole civilisation. Rudi knows why, but will the Council listen to a man?"
On this day in 1979 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Creature From The Pit: Part 1." Officially, this served as the ninth episode in the program's seventeenth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Answering a distress call, the TARDIS lands on Chloris, a planet choked with abundant vegetation. Discovering a gigantic, fragmented eggshell that's the source of the call, the Doctor and Romana also find themselves under arrest for tramping about in a zone marked for death. Before they can be brought before Lady Adrasta, the matriarchal ruler, for questioning and ceremonious execution, a roving ban of metal-scavenging bandits attack and run off with Romana."
"Answering a distress call, the TARDIS lands on Chloris, a planet choked with abundant vegetation. Discovering a gigantic, fragmented eggshell that's the source of the call, the Doctor and Romana also find themselves under arrest for tramping about in a zone marked for death. Before they can be brought before Lady Adrasta, the matriarchal ruler, for questioning and ceremonious execution, a roving ban of metal-scavenging bandits attack and run off with Romana."
On this day in 1979, Jason Of Star Command aired "Through The Stargate." Officially, this served as the seventh episode in the program's second (and final) season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A spacefarer seeks help repairing his ship from Star Command but his cargo sends Jason, Samantha and Parsafoot into another dimension."
"A spacefarer seeks help repairing his ship from Star Command but his cargo sends Jason, Samantha and Parsafoot into another dimension."
On this day in 1984, Airwolf aired "Sins Of The Past." Officially, this served as the sixth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary that's provided by the Airwolf Wiki:
"Hawke and Dominic divert Airwolf on their way to a F.I.R.M. mission so that Dominic can attend the funeral of his daughter whom he has not seen since she was seven. His ex-wife, Lila creates a scene at the funeral and angers Dominic to the point of almost striking her. On his return from the mission, Dominic is arrested as a suspect for the murder of his ex-wife Lila. Hawke must find the true killer to free his friend."
"Hawke and Dominic divert Airwolf on their way to a F.I.R.M. mission so that Dominic can attend the funeral of his daughter whom he has not seen since she was seven. His ex-wife, Lila creates a scene at the funeral and angers Dominic to the point of almost striking her. On his return from the mission, Dominic is arrested as a suspect for the murder of his ex-wife Lila. Hawke must find the true killer to free his friend."
On this day in 1984, The Tripods aired "Chateau Ricordeau, France: August, 2089 AD." This served as the seventh episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Henry and Beanpole continue on their trip, wondering if Will will catch up with them later. Meanwhile, Will is dealt a shocking blow by his rival for the love of Eloise."
"Henry and Beanpole continue on their trip, wondering if Will will catch up with them later. Meanwhile, Will is dealt a shocking blow by his rival for the love of Eloise."
On this day in 1986, The Adventures of the Galaxy Rangers aired "Mothmoose." This (technically) served as the program's thirty-fourth episode (they were aired wildly out of sequence), and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The Mothmoose is highly valued by the Kiwi because its melodies help them grow their crops. When its stolen, they ask for help from B.E.T.A., but with the Rangers occupied on other missions, they can only get help from Buzzwang, and Waldo."
"The Mothmoose is highly valued by the Kiwi because its melodies help them grow their crops. When its stolen, they ask for help from B.E.T.A., but with the Rangers occupied on other missions, they can only get help from Buzzwang, and Waldo."
On this day in 1990, Star Trek: The Next Generation aired "Legacy." This served as the sixth episode of the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The crew of the Enterprise enters into orbit around the home planet of their former crew-mate, Tasha Yar, where they encounter her sister."
"The crew of the Enterprise enters into orbit around the home planet of their former crew-mate, Tasha Yar, where they encounter her sister."
On this day in 1990, Superboy aired "Neila." This served as the fourth episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A superhuman woman arrives from an alien world in search of husband, causing destruction in her wake. To stop her, Superboy must pass her romantic test, all while teaching her the true meaning of love."
"A superhuman woman arrives from an alien world in search of husband, causing destruction in her wake. To stop her, Superboy must pass her romantic test, all while teaching her the true meaning of love."
On this day in 1990, Super Force aired "As God As My Witness." This served as the sixth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by TV.com:
"A psychotic evangelist escapes from a mental hospital and promptly crime in the area goes on the rise."
"A psychotic evangelist escapes from a mental hospital and promptly crime in the area goes on the rise."
On this day in 1991, Super Force aired "Light Around The Body." This served as the fourth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from TV.com:
"Zach assists Zander who is having uncontrollable visions of a woman in jeopardy."
"Zach assists Zander who is having uncontrollable visions of a woman in jeopardy."
On this day in 1991, Superboy aired "The Basement." This served as the fourth episode of the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Lana discovers an alien in her basement who steals her identity."
"Lana discovers an alien in her basement who steals her identity."
On this day in 1992, Quantum Leap aired "Star Light, Star Bright." Officially, this served as the sixth episode of the program's fifth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Sam leaps into a 79-year-old man who claims to have seen UFOs to save him from being committed and his grandson from dying of a drug overdose."
"Sam leaps into a 79-year-old man who claims to have seen UFOs to save him from being committed and his grandson from dying of a drug overdose."
On this day in 1996, The X-Files aired "Unruhe." This served as the fourth episode of the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The agents hunt for a kidnapper whose mind's eye can be captured on film."
"The agents hunt for a kidnapper whose mind's eye can be captured on film."
On this day in 1997, Babylon 5 aired "The Deconstruction Of Falling Stars." Officially, this served as the twenty-second episode in the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In the distant future, a man examines key moments in the history of Earth, starting with the formation of the Interstellar Alliance on Babylon 5."
"In the distant future, a man examines key moments in the history of Earth, starting with the formation of the Interstellar Alliance on Babylon 5."
On this day in 1997, Earth: Final Conflict aired "Avatar." This served as the fourth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"Boone and Marquette must find James Pike, a mysterious escaped serial killer who rose from the dead."
"Boone and Marquette must find James Pike, a mysterious escaped serial killer who rose from the dead."
On this day in 1997, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine aired "Favor the Bold." This was the fifth episode of the program's sixth season. According to our friends over at Memory Alpha, here's what went down:
"Tired of being on the losing end of the war, Captain Sisko convinces Starfleet Command to launch a fleet of starships to retake Deep Space 9. Meanwhile, time may be running out for Rom."
"Tired of being on the losing end of the war, Captain Sisko convinces Starfleet Command to launch a fleet of starships to retake Deep Space 9. Meanwhile, time may be running out for Rom."
On this day in 2003, Mutant X aired "The Taking Of Crows." This served as the fifth episode in the program's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When Lexa is unknowingly drugged with a lethal substance, the team must race to find the antidote before it's too late."
"When Lexa is unknowingly drugged with a lethal substance, the team must race to find the antidote before it's too late."
On this day in 2006 (in the United States), Doctor Who aired "Rise Of The Cybermen." Officially, this served as fifth episode in the relaunched program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The TARDIS crash lands in London on a parallel world, where Rose's dad is still alive, people are disappearing off the streets and one of the Doctor's deadliest enemies is about to be reborn."
"The TARDIS crash lands in London on a parallel world, where Rose's dad is still alive, people are disappearing off the streets and one of the Doctor's deadliest enemies is about to be reborn."
On this day in 2008, The Sarah Jane Adventures aired "Secrets of the Stars - Part 2." This served as the sixth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Martin explains that the Ancient Lights, the beings in the shooting star, have selected him as their chosen one to create a new world run by them. Using a radio broadcast he starts to control people all over the world by their star signs to make them compliant. Luke, however, does not have a star sign as he was created, rather than born, can withstand and eventually destroys Martin's control, freeing everybody. Rather than go back to his old life Martin opts to be transformed into a star while Sarah Jane declares the date to be Luke's birthday."
"Martin explains that the Ancient Lights, the beings in the shooting star, have selected him as their chosen one to create a new world run by them. Using a radio broadcast he starts to control people all over the world by their star signs to make them compliant. Luke, however, does not have a star sign as he was created, rather than born, can withstand and eventually destroys Martin's control, freeing everybody. Rather than go back to his old life Martin opts to be transformed into a star while Sarah Jane declares the date to be Luke's birthday."
On this day in 2016, Zapped aired the third episode of its first (and only) season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"With the amulet seemingly out of reach, Brian finds another way home when a fire sprite grants him a wish. But now Brian has met Effandra, a woman who actually thinks he is cool and interesting. Should he return home or stay in Munty?"
"With the amulet seemingly out of reach, Brian finds another way home when a fire sprite grants him a wish. But now Brian has met Effandra, a woman who actually thinks he is cool and interesting. Should he return home or stay in Munty?"
On this day in 2015, Harper Design released Doctor Who: Impossible Worlds, a 50-year retrospective exploring the art and design work associated to the BBC's long-running Science Fiction program. Here's a blurb regarding the release from Amazon.com:
"Divided thematically, Doctor Who: Impossible Worlds examines the history of the program and its art and set design, and highlights how various re-occurring designs have evolved over time. Chock full of surprising, illuminating, and fascinating information, photographs, and trivia, Doctor Who: Impossible Worlds is essential for every Whovian, whether you're an established fan or are new to the show."
"Divided thematically, Doctor Who: Impossible Worlds examines the history of the program and its art and set design, and highlights how various re-occurring designs have evolved over time. Chock full of surprising, illuminating, and fascinating information, photographs, and trivia, Doctor Who: Impossible Worlds is essential for every Whovian, whether you're an established fan or are new to the show."
On this day in 2015, Halo 5: Guardians finally arrived on retail for exciting gaming enthusiasts. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Peace is shattered when colony worlds are unexpectedly attacked. And when humanity's greatest hero goes missing, Spartan Jameson Locke is tasked with hunting the Master Chief and solving a mystery that threatens the entire galaxy."
"Peace is shattered when colony worlds are unexpectedly attacked. And when humanity's greatest hero goes missing, Spartan Jameson Locke is tasked with hunting the Master Chief and solving a mystery that threatens the entire galaxy."
