On this day in 1990, the serialized Science Fiction program Super Force aired its first episode. Lo and behold, this program was set in the year 2020 (methinks they missed all the stuff involving COVID and the murder hornets, but I digress), and it gave semi-regular TV guy Ken Olandt the chance to try on some action shoes for good measure. Here's the series' premise as provided by the good people at IMDB.com:
"In the year 2020, an astronaut becomes a vigilante when he returns from a mission to learn his cop brother's been murdered."
For the record:
Though Roderick Taylor (also known as Roderick Falconer, poet and musician) isn't credited as one of the show's creators, he certainly knew more than a fair share about the program as IMDB.com credits him as serving as a screenwriter on thirty-five of its forty-eight episodes. To his credit, he also served as the director on three of the shows; and the state of Florida awarded him 'Best Director, Drama' trophy from its 1991 Crystal Reel Awards. (FYI: The Crystal Reel Awards were created to honor achievement in film specifically for projects produced in Florida.)
More for the record:
Filmed in 1990 but set in 2020, Super Force's appeal was largely based on its souped-up motorcycle and the corresponding high-tech suit worn by series star Ken Olandt. The suit was built by effects wizard Robert Short who, incidentally, won an Academy Award and a Saturn Award for 'Best Make-up' in 1989's Beetlejuice.
"In the year 2020, an astronaut becomes a vigilante when he returns from a mission to learn his cop brother's been murdered."
For the record:
Though Roderick Taylor (also known as Roderick Falconer, poet and musician) isn't credited as one of the show's creators, he certainly knew more than a fair share about the program as IMDB.com credits him as serving as a screenwriter on thirty-five of its forty-eight episodes. To his credit, he also served as the director on three of the shows; and the state of Florida awarded him 'Best Director, Drama' trophy from its 1991 Crystal Reel Awards. (FYI: The Crystal Reel Awards were created to honor achievement in film specifically for projects produced in Florida.)
More for the record:
Filmed in 1990 but set in 2020, Super Force's appeal was largely based on its souped-up motorcycle and the corresponding high-tech suit worn by series star Ken Olandt. The suit was built by effects wizard Robert Short who, incidentally, won an Academy Award and a Saturn Award for 'Best Make-up' in 1989's Beetlejuice.
Sorry, folks: as Fate would have it, I've just never been bitten by the anime bug. As a consequence, I sadly can tell you next-to-nothing about Mobile Suit Gundam Seed ... well, other than the obvious obligatory information like it premiered on this day (in Japan) back in 2002. Some of the artwork looks pretty spiffy, but I still couldn't tell a Gundam from a gondark. Truth hurts. In any events, here's the series' premise as provided by IMDB.com:
"The discovery of an advanced model of combat mecha on their space colony throws a young man and his friends into involvement in an interplanetary war as the crew of a powerful fighting ship."
For the record:
By all appearances, Mobile Suit Gundam Seed was a bit of a phenomenon for its time and place in Japanese television history. At the 2004 Tokyo Anime Awards, the show took home trophies for 'Animation Of The Year,' 'Best Character Design (TV Category),' and 'Notable Entry (TV Category).'
"The discovery of an advanced model of combat mecha on their space colony throws a young man and his friends into involvement in an interplanetary war as the crew of a powerful fighting ship."
For the record:
By all appearances, Mobile Suit Gundam Seed was a bit of a phenomenon for its time and place in Japanese television history. At the 2004 Tokyo Anime Awards, the show took home trophies for 'Animation Of The Year,' 'Best Character Design (TV Category),' and 'Notable Entry (TV Category).'
By all accounts, I think mankind is convinced that if there's an alien civilization out there, then they're destined to invade our planet; and such is the stomping grounds for Horizon. Unless I've been misinformed, I believe this SciFi/Drama was originally conceived as a web/streaming property; and I believe it racked up some impressive nods from many'a'critic on the cinema festival circuit. Here's the series' premise as provided by IMDB.com:
"The lives of five people are forever changed when a mysterious alien ship appears on the skyline over Bristol. Its intentions unclear, the disparate group attempt to flee the city and reach loved ones, but their efforts are impeded by a city in panic, looters, and the threat of military attack. As they battle to stick together, loyalties and relationships are tested, and an even larger question remains: who are these mysterious visitors and why are they here?"
For the record:
In 2016, Horizon secured the win for 'Best Sci-Fi' from the HollyWeb Festival, an organization that highlights programming specifically designed for the digital spaces.
"The lives of five people are forever changed when a mysterious alien ship appears on the skyline over Bristol. Its intentions unclear, the disparate group attempt to flee the city and reach loved ones, but their efforts are impeded by a city in panic, looters, and the threat of military attack. As they battle to stick together, loyalties and relationships are tested, and an even larger question remains: who are these mysterious visitors and why are they here?"
For the record:
In 2016, Horizon secured the win for 'Best Sci-Fi' from the HollyWeb Festival, an organization that highlights programming specifically designed for the digital spaces.
Why, yes: Science Fiction can be popular enough to even include comedians! That said, Larry Fine (above right) -- as only one part of the Three Stooges -- experienced what he thought was the Final Frontier in a little something called Have Rocket - Will Travel (1959) as part of the popular comedy trio. Though he's no longer with us, Fine was born on this day in 1902.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Screen veteran John Hoyt played 'Dr. Phillip Boyce' in the originally prepared pilot for Star Trek. Unfortunately, "The Cage" was deemed "too cerebral" by NBC executives, and Hoyt's physician was lost in the shuffle. Still, the actor appeared in such other properties as When Worlds Collide (1951), The Twilight Zone, X:The Man With X-Ray Eyes, The Time Travelers, The Outer Limits, Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, The Time Tunnel, Planet of the Apes, The Six Million Dollar Man, and Battlestar Galactica. That's no small feat, indeed! Though he's no longer with us, Hoyt was born on this day in 1905.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actor Donald Pleasence played the President of the United States who finally rose the challenge and took a stand against crime when it mattered most (with a mean machine gun, I might add) in John Carpenter's cult classic Escape from New York. Without a doubt, the actor probably enjoyed an ongoing love/hate relationship with genre projects, emerging from the highbrow Fantastic Voyage (1966) and sinking low into The Pumaman (1980), one of MST3K's funniest targets. In between? His resume of well over two hundred screen credits boasts work aboard One Step Beyond, The Twilight Zone, The Outer Limits, You Only Live Twice (1967), THX 1138 (1971), Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde (1973), The Mutations (1974), Dracula (1979), Warrior Of The Lost World (1984), Frankenstein's Great Aunt Tillie (1984), Warrior Queen (1987), and The Ray Bradbury Theater. Though he's no longer with us, Pleasence was born on this day in 1919.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Glynis Johns had the distinct cinematic honor of playing one of the silver screens very first mermaids for the 1948 Comedy/Fantasy film Miranda for Sydney Box Productions. The actress also had a big role in Walt Disney's Mary Poppins (1964). Though she's no longer with us, Johns was born on this day in 1923.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Who better to know "The Way To Eden" than Skip Homeier? Actually, the actor appeared twice in the classic Star Trek series -- once in Eden and once in "Patterns of Force" -- as well as putting in time on a number of terrific genre shows. The actor also managed to score work aboard such enterprises as One Step Beyond, The Outer Limits, Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea, The Six Million Dollar Man, Project UFO, The Bionic Woman, and The Incredible Hulk. Though he's no longer with us, Homeier was born on this day in 1930.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I know I'm showing my bias here (and maybe my age), but I always thought that Buck Rogers In The 25th Century's second season character of 'Hawk' was one of the best unexplored creations of the program and maybe even SciFi of that era. For those who never met him, Hawk was in many ways like Star Trek's 'Spock,' a quasi-human quasi-alien warrior who struggled to find his place in the world around him. It would've been great if the writers had spent more time developing that angle of the character, but, alas, ratings dictated that the second season wasn't meant to last very long. Still, actor Thom Christopher imbued Hawk with a balance of conviction and pride in such a way that you trusted there was definitely something worth further study. Christopher was born on this day in 1940.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Nancy Barrett enjoyed some massive small screen exposure thanks to her work aboard the popular Fantasy Dark Shadows. Barrett was born on this day in 1941.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though she initially got her start via nude modeling in men's magazines, Laura Gemser was able to transition to screen roles, though largely in exploitation-style pictures. Still, she persevered, and she eventually was able to put her fashion skills to use behind-the-scenes the movie business. Fans might recognize her from onscreen appearances aboard Emmanuelle And The Last Cannibals (1977), Erotic Nights Of The Living Dead (1980), Murder Syndrome (1981), Ator The Fighting Eagle (1982), Endgame (1983), Metamorphosis (1990), and Quest For The Mighty Sword (1990). Gemser was born on this day in 1950.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The death of Babylon 5 regular Jeff Conaway -- he played 'Security Chief Zack Allen' -- shocked even those who thought they knew him well; he passed away due to complications from his long battle with addiction, and even his acting peers were unaware that he had been struggling. Other genre appearances of his career include work aboard Pete's Dragon (1977), Wizards And Warriors, Stephen King's Golden Tales, Monsters, Alien Intruder (1993), and 2002: The Rape Of Eden (1994). Conaway was born on this day back in 1950.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
A few years after she wowed audiences by holding her own as 'Marion Ravenwood' opposite Harrison Ford's 'Indiana Jones' in the seminal Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), the lovely Karen Allen charmed viewers who embraced her as the grief-stricken widow in John Carpenter's Starman (1984). Allen was born on this day in 1951.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Artist and actor Duncan Regehr played the heroic 'Shakaar' in a few episodes aboard Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. But that's not his only genre credential as the actor maintains a solid history in the realm of Science Fiction and Fantasy with appearances in such programs as The Greatest American Hero, Goliath Awaits (1981), Wizards And Warriors, V, Earth Star Voyager (1988), Star Trek: The Next Generation, Timemaster (1995), and Flying Virus (2001). Regehr was born on this day in 1952.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
International sensation Ángela Molina took a trip into the dark, dark future with a top role aboard the Netflix SciFi/Serial The Barrier for Atresmedia. Molina was born on this day in 1955.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Funnyman Bernie Mac brought a few laughs along for his small role in Michael Bay's Transformers (2007). Though he's no longer with us, Mac was born on this day in 1957.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
If Carl Sagan and Bill Cosby got together and had a child, then it might look and behave something like pop astronomer and alleged #MeToo candidate Neil deGrasse Tyson. As of late, this "scientist" is also on record as saying human beings get to choose their gender. How's that science working out for you, Neil? Tyson was born on this day in 1958.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The talented Jenna Russell enjoyed a small part aboard the popular Doctor Who episode "Bad Wolf." Russell was born on this day in 1967.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Guy Pearce gave audiences his best 'tough guy' attempt when he took the lead in Lockout. He played an ex-con sent into the orbiting penal colony to rescue the President's daughter. Pearce was born on this day back in 1967.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Model, actress, and cinematographer Lilith Stabs certainly is schooled in giving folks something to look at; and I, for one, will always champion talent that knows no bounds. Fans can find her on display in such entries as Mega Scorpions (2003), Zombiegeddon (2003), Severe Injuries (2003), Exterminator City (2005), Evil On Queen Street (2008), and Amityville Karen (2022). Stabs was born on this day in 1968.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Josie Bissett (above right) joined Scott Bakula for an episode of NBC's popular Quantum Leap. Otherwise, her resume is loaded with more conventional dramas. Bissett was born on this day in 1970.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In case you're looking for someone to blame over the current state of the Transformers franchise, it looks like the writers' room is a committee, on which screenwriter Ehren Kruger served. Kudos, however, as it definitely looks like he's moved along to other projects. Kruger was born on this day in 1972.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actress and singer Deborah Odell seems to have moved out of the TV and film business: IMDB.com indicates that her last screen role of note was in a recurring capacity aboard the Fantasy-themed Lost Girl. Fans may've also seen her goodness aboard such projects as Eerie, Indiana: The Other Dimension; Total Recall 2070; PSI Factor: Chronicles Of The Paranormal; Relic Hunter; Earth: Final Conflict; Mutant X; Star Hunter; The Dead Zone; and The Dresden Files. Odell was born on this day in 1973.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Marshall Lancaster enjoyed a pair of appearances in the greater world of the BBC's long-running Doctor Who. Lancaster was born on this day in 1974.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Folks, I can't even begin to effectively summarize the prolific career of award-winning voice actress Monica Rial ... and that's mostly because the grand dame of golden pipes has a resume approaching 700 different screen roles! Think what you willl, but she has to be one of the hardest working talents anywhere in the modern world. Rial was born on this day in 1975.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Critical darling Kate Winslet adds considerable gravitas to the Divergent series of movies, playing a key villain in the dystopian-themed Young Adult SciFi franchise. Winslet was born on this day in 1975.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Lovely Parminder Nagra played one of the scientists with 'something to hide' in Fox TV's short-lived Alcatraz. Nagra was born on this day in 1975.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
At this point in her career, Virginia Kull has built a solid track record in more conventional fare. Still, there are some signs of brightness for those of us who traffic in other realms, and her work in Person Of Interest, Stitchers, Twin Peaks, and NOS4A2 deserve mention. Kull was born on this day in 1981.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
You may not recognize her lovely, lovely face, but Star Wars fans have no doubt seen the world of Chloé Bruce as she appeared as Daisy Ridley's stunt double in both The Force Awakens (2015) and The Last Jedi (2017). Bruce was born on this day in 1983.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I know, I know: I can be VERY opinionated ... but when it comes to Batman V Superman (2016) I really feel that Jesse Eisenberg's version of Lex Luthor was just plain awful. Even painful. I don't fault the actor so much because -- in the end -- it's how the character was conceived for the film that was flawed. Eisenberg was born on this day in 1983.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Noah Segan had a small but important role aboard 2012's time travel yarn Looper. He's since gone on to participate in some interesting genre projects, and it looks like his star might be on-the-rise. Segan was born on this day in 1983.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The beautiful Cassandra Jean Amell enjoyed a guest spot aboard the SciFi-lite The Middleman back in 2008. Amell was born on this day in 1985.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
If you missed TBS's People Of Earth, then shame on you for missing a nifty little SciFi/Sitcom that poked serious fun at the whole alien abduction phenemenon. Emily Heller was one of the program's screenwriters, and Heller was born on this day in 1985.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Back in 2003, a young Bobby Edner took a ride aboard the virtual reality spectacle that was Spy Kids 3: Game Over. Edner was born on this day in 1988.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Youngster Wesley Morgan enjoyed some genre screen time aboard Falling Skies, Kick-Ass 2 (2013), and Between. Morgan was born on this day in 1990.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Pretty-as-a-picture newcomer Kaya Rosenthal has only started to build her professional career, but thankfully she's dipped her delicate toes into the realm of genre entertainment with an appearance aboard Nickelodeon's Henry Danger series so that I can mention her here. Rosenthal was born on this day in 1993.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Young Mary Gibbs supplied her pipes to the character of 'Boo' aboard the Walt Disney and Pixar production of Monsters, Inc. back in 2001. Gibbs was born on this day in 1996.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
A star is born! On this day in 1962 (in the United Kingdom), the good people of London, England were treated to the glorious big screen premiere of Dr. No, the very first film in the James Bond franchise. Directed by Terence Young and based on the novel from Ian Fleming, the Fantasy/Thriller starred Sean Connery, Ursula Andress, and Bernard Lee. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"James Bond 007 is Britain's top agent, and is on an exciting mission, to solve the mysterious murder of a fellow agent. The task sends him to Jamaica, where he joins forces with Quarrel and a loyal C.I.A. Agent, Felix Leiter. While dodging tarantulas, "fire breathing dragons", and a trio of assassins, known as "the three blind mice". Bond meets up with the beautiful Honey Ryder and goes face to face with the evil Dr. No."
"James Bond 007 is Britain's top agent, and is on an exciting mission, to solve the mysterious murder of a fellow agent. The task sends him to Jamaica, where he joins forces with Quarrel and a loyal C.I.A. Agent, Felix Leiter. While dodging tarantulas, "fire breathing dragons", and a trio of assassins, known as "the three blind mice". Bond meets up with the beautiful Honey Ryder and goes face to face with the evil Dr. No."
On this day in 1973 (in Italy), the SciFi/Classic Soylent Green whet the audiences appetite for quality entertainment. Directed by Richard Fleischer, the SciFi/Drama starred Charlton Heston, Edward G. Robinson, and Leigh Taylor-Young. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the premise:
"In the world ravaged by the greenhouse effect and overpopulation, an NYPD detective investigates the murder of a big company CEO."
For the record:
I always thought that Soylent Green was really one of the first "environmentally conscious" Science Fiction films, something which tried to look at our world as a whole and what we were perhaps doing to it. I'd argue that it certainly sparked a trend in SciFi flicks to go a bit deeper into subject matter than just warp drive and laser pistols. The film was recognized by many to be worthy of acclaim. In 1974, it won the Nebula Award for Best Dramatic Presentation as well as taking the Grand Prize at the Avoriaz Fantastic Film Festival. In 1975, it won the Golden Scroll for Best Picture from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films.
"In the world ravaged by the greenhouse effect and overpopulation, an NYPD detective investigates the murder of a big company CEO."
For the record:
I always thought that Soylent Green was really one of the first "environmentally conscious" Science Fiction films, something which tried to look at our world as a whole and what we were perhaps doing to it. I'd argue that it certainly sparked a trend in SciFi flicks to go a bit deeper into subject matter than just warp drive and laser pistols. The film was recognized by many to be worthy of acclaim. In 1974, it won the Nebula Award for Best Dramatic Presentation as well as taking the Grand Prize at the Avoriaz Fantastic Film Festival. In 1975, it won the Golden Scroll for Best Picture from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films.
A star is born! On this day in 1979 (in West Germany), Dynamite Johnson delivered some high-kicking to audiences of genre entertainment. Written (in part) and directed by Bobby A. Suarez, the SciFi/Thriller starred Johnson Yap, Marrie Lee, and Ken Metcalfe. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Sonny, a crippled boy, undergoes an operation by bionic doctors to make him superbionic. In the same hospital is a man suffering from terrible burns inflicted by a giant robot dragon and his delirious ramblings are overhead by Johnson leading to an investigation which uncovers an evil Nazi plot for world domination."
"Sonny, a crippled boy, undergoes an operation by bionic doctors to make him superbionic. In the same hospital is a man suffering from terrible burns inflicted by a giant robot dragon and his delirious ramblings are overhead by Johnson leading to an investigation which uncovers an evil Nazi plot for world domination."
On this day in 1984 (in Portugal), the Fantasy-themed The Throne Of Fire burned up the box office. (Well ...) Directed by Francesco Prosperi, the Fantasy feature starred Sabrina Siani, Pietro Torrisi, and Harrison Muller; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A mighty hero battles the son of Satan and his evil witch ally to save a kingdom from being taken over by the duo."
"A mighty hero battles the son of Satan and his evil witch ally to save a kingdom from being taken over by the duo."
On this day in 1990 (in the U.S.), the Aftershock was felt ... with its release on home video. Directed by Frank Harris from a story by Michael Standing (who also starred), the SciFi/Thriller starred James Lew, Elizabeth Kaitan, and John Saxon. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An alien visits Earth during World War III, learns English by absorbing a dictionary, and meets good and bad earthlings."
"An alien visits Earth during World War III, learns English by absorbing a dictionary, and meets good and bad earthlings."
On this day in 1993, Alien Intruder starring Billy Dee Williams opened theatrically behind the Sushi Curtain in the great nation state of Japan. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Space traveling convicts become the victims of their own fantasies when virtual reality is made to go wrong."
"Space traveling convicts become the victims of their own fantasies when virtual reality is made to go wrong."
On this day in 1993 (in Germany), Cyborg Cop reported for cinematic duty. The SciFi feature starred David Bradley and Todd Jensen, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Ex-D.E.A. Agent Jack receives an emergency message from his brother Phillip, whose team was ambushed on the Caribbean island of St. Keith. Jack goes to St. Keith to find his brother, who has been turned into a cyborg by the drug runner he was after."
"Ex-D.E.A. Agent Jack receives an emergency message from his brother Phillip, whose team was ambushed on the Caribbean island of St. Keith. Jack goes to St. Keith to find his brother, who has been turned into a cyborg by the drug runner he was after."
A star is born! On this day in 1996 (in the U.S.), Carver's Gate was finally opened with its broadcast television airing. Written (in part) and directed by Sheldon Inkol, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Michael Pare, Marian Skretas, and Tara Manuel. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The world is a bleak desolate place where the people live in elevated cities. As the ground is uninhabitable, the citizens spend most of their lives wasting their time in virtual reality. Carver is a dream-breaker whose job is to enter the world of VR and fix what is wrong. And what is wrong is that his gal pal Dinah has been murdered in VR which should not be possible. But Carver soon finds that Dinah has constructed a transducer which allows people to enter VR without other equipment, but creates a rift. That rift causes people to enter VR, but also allows the creatures from the game to enter the real world."
"The world is a bleak desolate place where the people live in elevated cities. As the ground is uninhabitable, the citizens spend most of their lives wasting their time in virtual reality. Carver is a dream-breaker whose job is to enter the world of VR and fix what is wrong. And what is wrong is that his gal pal Dinah has been murdered in VR which should not be possible. But Carver soon finds that Dinah has constructed a transducer which allows people to enter VR without other equipment, but creates a rift. That rift causes people to enter VR, but also allows the creatures from the game to enter the real world."
On this day in 2007 (in the U.S. and Canada), The Seeker: The Dark Is Rising found its way into artistic history. The feature starred Alexander Ludwig and Ian McShane, and here's the plot summary as cited on IMDB.com:
"A boy's life is turned upside down when he learns that he is the last of a group of immortal warriors who have dedicated their lives to fighting the forces of the dark."
"A boy's life is turned upside down when he learns that he is the last of a group of immortal warriors who have dedicated their lives to fighting the forces of the dark."
On this day in 2010 (in the U.S. and Canada), The Rig built itself up only to tear mankind down. The SciFi/Horror starred William Forsythe and Stacey Hinnen, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In the midst of a tropical storm, the crew of an offshore oil rig must survive the rampage of a creature after invading its undersea habitat."
"In the midst of a tropical storm, the crew of an offshore oil rig must survive the rampage of a creature after invading its undersea habitat."
On this day in 2012, Mars et Avril launched into theatres. This French-language SciFi/Fantasy film starred Jacques Languirand and Caroline Dhavernas, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Based on an acclaimed graphic novel, Mars & Avril is set in Montreal of the future, at the dawn of the first human landing on Mars, and tells the story of a musician who becomes obsessed with his muse."
"Based on an acclaimed graphic novel, Mars & Avril is set in Montreal of the future, at the dawn of the first human landing on Mars, and tells the story of a musician who becomes obsessed with his muse."
On this day in 2016 (in Japan), the SciFi/Action feature Robot Wars found new life. The flick starred Ben Naasz and Jennifer Sydney, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In a dystopian near future, a corporate heist goes wrong and the team members struggle to survive a desperate escape through the apocalyptic sprawl with their stolen prize, a weapon of unspeakable power. As they navigate the urban wasteland, they must contend with barbaric gangs, corporate death squads and the terrifying truth about the weapon they have stolen."
ExtraExtra Alert:
If you'd like to know more, then check out SciFiHistory.Net's review of Robot Wars right here!
"In a dystopian near future, a corporate heist goes wrong and the team members struggle to survive a desperate escape through the apocalyptic sprawl with their stolen prize, a weapon of unspeakable power. As they navigate the urban wasteland, they must contend with barbaric gangs, corporate death squads and the terrifying truth about the weapon they have stolen."
ExtraExtra Alert:
If you'd like to know more, then check out SciFiHistory.Net's review of Robot Wars right here!
On this day in 1955 (in the U.S.), Captain Midnight aired "Mission To Mexico." Officially, this served as the second episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided via IMDB.com:
"Mr. Hobson, an American security specialist, reports that an enemy radio transmitter in Mexico has broken down. Since his men have broken the enemy's code, they want the transmitter repaired as soon as possible so they can continue to monitor the broadcasts. Captain Midnight and Icky volunteer to travel to the remote mountain area where the transmitter is located posing as fix-it men in hopes of being hired to repair the broken equipment - and do some poking around in the enemy's base on the side."
"Mr. Hobson, an American security specialist, reports that an enemy radio transmitter in Mexico has broken down. Since his men have broken the enemy's code, they want the transmitter repaired as soon as possible so they can continue to monitor the broadcasts. Captain Midnight and Icky volunteer to travel to the remote mountain area where the transmitter is located posing as fix-it men in hopes of being hired to repair the broken equipment - and do some poking around in the enemy's base on the side."
On this day in 1966 (in the U.S.), Lost In Space aired "Forbidden World." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Robinsons encounter a hermit who plans to attack the Jupiter 2 with his army."
For the record:
In case there are any folks curious about the details involving this particular episode, you can check out the information at the Lost In Space Wiki right here.
More for the record:
In case you're interested in checking out a review of the episode, I did find one available online right here that's reasonably complimentary.
"The Robinsons encounter a hermit who plans to attack the Jupiter 2 with his army."
For the record:
In case there are any folks curious about the details involving this particular episode, you can check out the information at the Lost In Space Wiki right here.
More for the record:
In case you're interested in checking out a review of the episode, I did find one available online right here that's reasonably complimentary.
On this day in 1968 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Mind Robber: Part 4." Officially, this served as the ninth episode of the program's sixth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The Doctor, Jamie and Zoe reach the citadel at the centre of the land, where they finally encounter the Master of the Land of Fiction."
"The Doctor, Jamie and Zoe reach the citadel at the centre of the land, where they finally encounter the Master of the Land of Fiction."
On this day in 1974 (in the U.S.), Partridge Family 2200 A.D. aired "The Wax Museum." Officially, this served as the fifth episode of its only season, and here's the plot summary from the Partridge Family 2200 A.D. online website:
"Two interplanetary thieves rob Madame Mussaud's Wax Museum of its new Partridge Family figurines, aiming to create a duplicate Partridge Family act and make a fortune on other planets. Orbit switches the planned getaway vehicle (Reuben's stolen rocket), with a kiddie ride rocket, and the thieves' short ride ends in capture."
"Two interplanetary thieves rob Madame Mussaud's Wax Museum of its new Partridge Family figurines, aiming to create a duplicate Partridge Family act and make a fortune on other planets. Orbit switches the planned getaway vehicle (Reuben's stolen rocket), with a kiddie ride rocket, and the thieves' short ride ends in capture."
On this day in 1978 (in the U.S.), Project U.F.O. aired "Sighting 4016: The Pipeline Incident." Officially, this served as the second episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Capt. Ryan and S Sgt. Fitz hitch a ride on a KC-135 to Alaska to investigate a UFO sighting by three Alaska Air Cargo pilots. Two of the pilots want to cover up the sighting, but radar seems to confirm the third pilot's claims."
"Capt. Ryan and S Sgt. Fitz hitch a ride on a KC-135 to Alaska to investigate a UFO sighting by three Alaska Air Cargo pilots. Two of the pilots want to cover up the sighting, but radar seems to confirm the third pilot's claims."
On this day in 1981 (in the United Kingdom), Blake's 7 aired "Power." Officially, this served as the second episode of the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Xenon base security systems have locked down the Scorpio, effectively stranding our heroes. The computerized lock leading to the launch silo can only be opened by Avon, who has his hands full after becoming enmeshed in a war between the male Hommiks and the female Seskas. And if that wasn't bad enough, there's a nuclear weapon counting down inside the launch silo..."
"The Xenon base security systems have locked down the Scorpio, effectively stranding our heroes. The computerized lock leading to the launch silo can only be opened by Avon, who has his hands full after becoming enmeshed in a war between the male Hommiks and the female Seskas. And if that wasn't bad enough, there's a nuclear weapon counting down inside the launch silo..."
On this day in 1985 (in the U.S.), Airwolf aired "Airwolf II." Officially, this served as the second episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An arrogant pilot designs a newer version of Airwolf and plans to engage Hawke in an air-to-air duel to determine which of the two is the better pilot."
"An arrogant pilot designs a newer version of Airwolf and plans to engage Hawke in an air-to-air duel to determine which of the two is the better pilot."
On this day in 1985 (in the Netherlands), Buck Rogers In The 25th Century aired "Awakening: Part 1." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In 1987, a space phenomenon sends NASA astronaut William "Buck" Rogers and his space shuttle off course and freezes his life support systems for 500 years. In 2491, he awakens aboard the flagship Draconia, under the command of Princess Ardala and her henchman Kane, a former native of Earth. The Draconians repair Buck's shuttle, but secretly plant a homing beacon aboard to track a path through Earth's defense shield. Upon arriving on Earth, Buck learns that everyone he knew had perished in a nuclear holocaust and Earth has been rebuilt over the centuries. However, he must adjust to the 25th century, and convince the Earth Defense Directorate that the Draconians are secretly planning to conquer Earth."
"In 1987, a space phenomenon sends NASA astronaut William "Buck" Rogers and his space shuttle off course and freezes his life support systems for 500 years. In 2491, he awakens aboard the flagship Draconia, under the command of Princess Ardala and her henchman Kane, a former native of Earth. The Draconians repair Buck's shuttle, but secretly plant a homing beacon aboard to track a path through Earth's defense shield. Upon arriving on Earth, Buck learns that everyone he knew had perished in a nuclear holocaust and Earth has been rebuilt over the centuries. However, he must adjust to the 25th century, and convince the Earth Defense Directorate that the Draconians are secretly planning to conquer Earth."
On this day in 1985 (in the United Kingdom), The Tripods aired "City Of Gold." Officially, this served as the fifth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Will and Fritz are taken to The City Of Gold along with the other winners. Upon arrival; Will is selected as a slave for a Master, while Fritz gets an all together different job."
"Will and Fritz are taken to The City Of Gold along with the other winners. Upon arrival; Will is selected as a slave for a Master, while Fritz gets an all together different job."
On this day in 1987 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "Paradise Towers: Part 1." Officially, this served as the fifth episode of the program's twenty-fourth season, and here's the plot summary provided compliments of IMDB.com:
"The Doctor and Mel visit Paradise Towers, a apartment complex in the 21st century, only to find it rat-infested and ruined. Paradise Towers is inhabited by Rezzies (elderly women, at least some of whom are cannibals), Kangs (roving gangs of teenage girls), Pex (a cowardly young warrior who proclaims himself the local hero) and Caretakers led by a Chief whose job is to keep the apartment complex in order. But the Doctor and Mel find that robotic cleaners are killing off everyone in Paradise Towers, one-by-one. The culprit is Kroagnon, the building's award-winning architect, who plots to rid Paradise Towers of all those who live within it."
"The Doctor and Mel visit Paradise Towers, a apartment complex in the 21st century, only to find it rat-infested and ruined. Paradise Towers is inhabited by Rezzies (elderly women, at least some of whom are cannibals), Kangs (roving gangs of teenage girls), Pex (a cowardly young warrior who proclaims himself the local hero) and Caretakers led by a Chief whose job is to keep the apartment complex in order. But the Doctor and Mel find that robotic cleaners are killing off everyone in Paradise Towers, one-by-one. The culprit is Kroagnon, the building's award-winning architect, who plots to rid Paradise Towers of all those who live within it."
On this day in 1987 (in West Germany), Star Trek aired "The Naked Time." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When Lieutenant Junior Grade Tormolen brings aboard an infection that killed the science team on Psi 2000, the crew of the Enterprise soon find themselves unable to control their most pre-dominant emotions. Soon the entire starship is in a shambles and plummeting toward the self destructing planet."
"When Lieutenant Junior Grade Tormolen brings aboard an infection that killed the science team on Psi 2000, the crew of the Enterprise soon find themselves unable to control their most pre-dominant emotions. Soon the entire starship is in a shambles and plummeting toward the self destructing planet."
On this day in 1988 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who blasted off with the premiere of its twenty-fifth season, an hour titled "Remembrance of the Daleks: Part 1." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The Doctor and Ace travel back to nineteen sixty three, and are caught in the middle of a Dalek civil war."
"The Doctor and Ace travel back to nineteen sixty three, and are caught in the middle of a Dalek civil war."
On this day in 1990 (in Germany), Star Trek: The Next Generation aired "The Last Outpost." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Enterprise makes a confrontational first contact with the piratical Ferengi race as their two ships are ensnared by a presumed dead planet ready to judge them."
"The Enterprise makes a confrontational first contact with the piratical Ferengi race as their two ships are ensnared by a presumed dead planet ready to judge them."
It all began right here ...
On this day in 1990 (in the U.S.), TV audiences gave a roaring hello to Super Force! The program premiered with a two-part opener titled "A Hero's Welcome: Part 1," and here's the plot summary compliments of TV.com:
"Zachary Stone, former astronaut, joins the Super Force in order to investigate the disappearance of his brother."
On this day in 1990 (in the U.S.), TV audiences gave a roaring hello to Super Force! The program premiered with a two-part opener titled "A Hero's Welcome: Part 1," and here's the plot summary compliments of TV.com:
"Zachary Stone, former astronaut, joins the Super Force in order to investigate the disappearance of his brother."
But the premiere of Super Force didn't stop there for right after "A Hero's Welcome" the network aired the next installment, a two-parter called "Too Late The Hero." (Truth is, this two-parter very well may've aired the next week, but all indications I've been able to find on the web to date show it as October 5th, 1990, so I'm including it here for posterity.) Here's the plot summary as provided by the reliable TV.com:
"Zachary Stone, former astronaut, joins the Super Force in order to investigate the disappearance of his brother."
"Zachary Stone, former astronaut, joins the Super Force in order to investigate the disappearance of his brother."
On this day in 1991 (in the U.S.), Star Trek: The Next Generation aired "Ensign Ro." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Captain Picard foils a plot against the Bajorans with his new Bajoran officer, Ensign Ro."
For the record:
This was not only Ro's first appearance, but it was also the introduction of the Bajoran people to Star Trek's growing mythology. Bajor and its people would become a major element of the next incarnation, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.
"Captain Picard foils a plot against the Bajorans with his new Bajoran officer, Ensign Ro."
For the record:
This was not only Ro's first appearance, but it was also the introduction of the Bajoran people to Star Trek's growing mythology. Bajor and its people would become a major element of the next incarnation, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.
On this day in 1996 (in the U.S.), the animated Flash Gordon aired "The Caves Of Doom." Officially, this served as the third episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Flash races time to save Dale and Dr. Zarkov from being sacrificed to a volcano by the Trogs, a tribe of suspicious cave dwellers."
"Flash races time to save Dale and Dr. Zarkov from being sacrificed to a volcano by the Trogs, a tribe of suspicious cave dwellers."
On this day in 1998 (in the U.S.), Earth: Final Conflict broke out of its hiatus with the second season airing "First Of Its Kind." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Following Boone's confrontation with Hegel that left him severely injured, he was eliminated by Zo'or. Beckett who was impregnated by Hegel gives birth to a boy who immediately grows up to a man. He assumes the name Liam Kincaid and goes to Boone's funeral where Quon would be eliminated by an alien replicant. After impressing Da'an he is made his new protector."
"Following Boone's confrontation with Hegel that left him severely injured, he was eliminated by Zo'or. Beckett who was impregnated by Hegel gives birth to a boy who immediately grows up to a man. He assumes the name Liam Kincaid and goes to Boone's funeral where Quon would be eliminated by an alien replicant. After impressing Da'an he is made his new protector."
On this day in 2001 (in the U.S.), Fox TV's Dark Angel aired "Bag 'Em." Officially, this served as the second episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The government sends Ames White to clean up the mess that was Manticore. His mission is to eliminate all evidence of the program's existence. Max feels guilty about this, as she was the one that let the X-series out, and goes back near the facility to help a group of escapees evade death. Lydecker contacts Logan to warn Max to stay away from Manticore when he gets her full DNA analysis."
"The government sends Ames White to clean up the mess that was Manticore. His mission is to eliminate all evidence of the program's existence. Max feels guilty about this, as she was the one that let the X-series out, and goes back near the facility to help a group of escapees evade death. Lydecker contacts Logan to warn Max to stay away from Manticore when he gets her full DNA analysis."
On this day in 2001 (in Germany), Star Trek: Voyager aired "Workforce: Part 1." Officially, this served as the sixteenth episode in the program's seventh (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Upon returning from a mission, Chakotay, Kim and Neelix find Voyager abandoned and the Doctor the only crew member aboard. The entire crew have been kidnapped, their memories erased and they are now working in an alien industrial complex. Chakotay and Neelix infiltrate the complex and have to make Captain Janeway remember."
"Upon returning from a mission, Chakotay, Kim and Neelix find Voyager abandoned and the Doctor the only crew member aboard. The entire crew have been kidnapped, their memories erased and they are now working in an alien industrial complex. Chakotay and Neelix infiltrate the complex and have to make Captain Janeway remember."
It all began right here ...
On this day in 2002 (in Japan), Mobile Suit Gundam Seed aired "False Peace" as its first episode in its only season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In the 70th year of the Cosmic Era, mankind's reach for the stars has granted him great leaps and bounds into the unknown... and fatefully divided him into two camps. Those of humankind who have stayed on Earth and the Moon, those of the nations of the Earth Alliance, have grown jealous of their more ambitious space-faring companions. These explorers are known as the Coordinators, an elite group of humans who have had their genes altered to bring out superior performance. Living in specially designed space stations called PLANTs (Productive Location Ally on Nexus Technology), they have been free of the discrimination they faced on Earth at the hands of unmodified 'Naturals.' For a while, both sides shared an uneasy peace. Then, on February 14th, CE 70, day of the Bloody Valentine tragedy, the bonds of humanity were shattered and the blood of the innocents spilt. Militant leaders of the Earth Alliance on this day used nuclear weapons upon an agricultural PLANT, and since that time, ..."
On this day in 2002 (in Japan), Mobile Suit Gundam Seed aired "False Peace" as its first episode in its only season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In the 70th year of the Cosmic Era, mankind's reach for the stars has granted him great leaps and bounds into the unknown... and fatefully divided him into two camps. Those of humankind who have stayed on Earth and the Moon, those of the nations of the Earth Alliance, have grown jealous of their more ambitious space-faring companions. These explorers are known as the Coordinators, an elite group of humans who have had their genes altered to bring out superior performance. Living in specially designed space stations called PLANTs (Productive Location Ally on Nexus Technology), they have been free of the discrimination they faced on Earth at the hands of unmodified 'Naturals.' For a while, both sides shared an uneasy peace. Then, on February 14th, CE 70, day of the Bloody Valentine tragedy, the bonds of humanity were shattered and the blood of the innocents spilt. Militant leaders of the Earth Alliance on this day used nuclear weapons upon an agricultural PLANT, and since that time, ..."
On this day in 2002 (in the U.S.), Mutant X premiered its second season in television syndication with the airing of "Past As Prologue." According to IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a desperate attempt to save his own life, Ashlocke revives an ancient Egyptian alchemist who poses a lethal threat to the Mutant X team."
"In a desperate attempt to save his own life, Ashlocke revives an ancient Egyptian alchemist who poses a lethal threat to the Mutant X team."
On this day in 2007 (in the U.S.), Stargate Atlantis aired "Lifeline." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Atlantis team, along with Weir and now with the ability to make large hyperspace jumps in only a puddle jumper, must now journey to the replicator home planet to steal one of their many ZPMs to bring the city back to life, and finish the journey to their new planet."
"The Atlantis team, along with Weir and now with the ability to make large hyperspace jumps in only a puddle jumper, must now journey to the replicator home planet to steal one of their many ZPMs to bring the city back to life, and finish the journey to their new planet."
It all began right here ...
On this day in 2015 (in the United Kingdom), Horizon aired "Arrival." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In the aftermath of a near fatal car accident, four people returning from a funeral realize nothing will ever be the same when they look to the sky and see a mysterious alien ship hovering over their home city."
On this day in 2015 (in the United Kingdom), Horizon aired "Arrival." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In the aftermath of a near fatal car accident, four people returning from a funeral realize nothing will ever be the same when they look to the sky and see a mysterious alien ship hovering over their home city."
On this day in 2015 (in the U.S.), Fox TV's Minority Report aired "Hawk-Eye." Officially, this served as the third episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Vega wants Dash to be the analyst for Hawk-Eye, a new police program monitoring suspicious behavior; Dash and Vega wonder what Arthur's plans are."
"Vega wants Dash to be the analyst for Hawk-Eye, a new police program monitoring suspicious behavior; Dash and Vega wonder what Arthur's plans are."
On this day in 2017 (in the U.S.), The Orville aired "Pria." Officially, this served as the fifth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Before Gordon is crippled by the perils of trying to teach cyborg Isaac pranking, the Orville responds to a distress call from a mining ship stuck on a comet about to crash on a star. The male crew is instantly charmed by the rescued sole survivor, captain Pria Lavesque, who even becomes the first woman after Ed's divorce to end up in his bed after drinks. Jealous ex Kelly gets reluctant Alara to help search the newcomer's guest quarters, where they find a mysterious impenetrable object, which has a worrisome use soon after, but Ed prefers to believe Pria's suspiciously knowledgeable help with a super-rare space peril is genuine proof of helpfulness, which is grimly disproved, seemingly too late."
"Before Gordon is crippled by the perils of trying to teach cyborg Isaac pranking, the Orville responds to a distress call from a mining ship stuck on a comet about to crash on a star. The male crew is instantly charmed by the rescued sole survivor, captain Pria Lavesque, who even becomes the first woman after Ed's divorce to end up in his bed after drinks. Jealous ex Kelly gets reluctant Alara to help search the newcomer's guest quarters, where they find a mysterious impenetrable object, which has a worrisome use soon after, but Ed prefers to believe Pria's suspiciously knowledgeable help with a super-rare space peril is genuine proof of helpfulness, which is grimly disproved, seemingly too late."
On this day in 2018 (in the U.S.), Z Nation aired "Welcome To The Newpocalypse." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's fifth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Warren recovers from the drone crash with handsome, mysterious Cooper; Doc and the others finally arrive in Newmerica, where they meet George, who is helping form the new country."
"Warren recovers from the drone crash with handsome, mysterious Cooper; Doc and the others finally arrive in Newmerica, where they meet George, who is helping form the new country."
