Depending upon one's age, the first exposure to Japanese anime varies widely, but for a generation of television viewers who grew up in the 1970's, Star Blazers (aka Uchû senkan Yamato, aka Space Battleship Yamato) remains a very fond memory. For the record, it was definitely one of the first that I discovered. The program first premiered on this day back in 1974 (according to IMDB.com), and it definitely paved the way for many similar-themed SciFi imports that followed even to this day. Here's the series' summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"In the year 2199, a starship must make a dangerous voyage to the distant planet Iscandar and back to save Earth from an alien invasion."
For the record:
From what I've read, Star Blazers was cancelled after its original airing in Japan largely owed to poor television ratings. However, after George Lucas's Star Wars reinvigorated our cultural interested in space fantasies, the program was syndicated in the U.S. and apparently received a warm welcome from viewers hungry for more of the same.
"In the year 2199, a starship must make a dangerous voyage to the distant planet Iscandar and back to save Earth from an alien invasion."
For the record:
From what I've read, Star Blazers was cancelled after its original airing in Japan largely owed to poor television ratings. However, after George Lucas's Star Wars reinvigorated our cultural interested in space fantasies, the program was syndicated in the U.S. and apparently received a warm welcome from viewers hungry for more of the same.
TV's Earth: Final Conflict was another one of those fateful SciFi programs that was spawned from the greater works of the late Gene Roddenberry. If I remember this correctly, it was sold into syndication, and I believe I missed the first episode when it aired in my market as the show wasn't what I'd called advertised even remotely. I did catch the pilot recently on home video, and while I enjoyed the first few hours I really need to go back and invest some time in it. Essentially, the premise revolves around mankind being finally contacted by a space-faring race, but all is not as it seems. It premiered on this day back in 1997. Here's the series' premise as provided by IMDB.com:
"An androgynous alien species called the Taelons arrive on earth, claiming to be companions of humanity, putting an end to crime, illness, and famine. Some are suspicious of the Taleons, and form a resistance movement. The resistance soon learned that the force that sustains the Taelons are breaking down, and they are using humans as test subjects in experiments to help save their species. The initial focus of the show was Commander William Boone and his partner, Captain Lili Marquette, who worked for both the Taelons and the resistance. After Boone was killed, the show introduced a new protagonist, Major Liam Kincaid, and began to play on the strengths of its ensemble cast."
For the record:
IMDB.com reports that Earth: Final Conflict actually enjoyed a wealth of awards nominations as well as a few key wins, including the 1998 Saturn Award nomination for 'Best Genre Cable/Syndicated Series' from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films. Also in 1998, the series won the 'Best Direction In A Syndicated Series' trophy from the Online Film & Television Association.
"An androgynous alien species called the Taelons arrive on earth, claiming to be companions of humanity, putting an end to crime, illness, and famine. Some are suspicious of the Taleons, and form a resistance movement. The resistance soon learned that the force that sustains the Taelons are breaking down, and they are using humans as test subjects in experiments to help save their species. The initial focus of the show was Commander William Boone and his partner, Captain Lili Marquette, who worked for both the Taelons and the resistance. After Boone was killed, the show introduced a new protagonist, Major Liam Kincaid, and began to play on the strengths of its ensemble cast."
For the record:
IMDB.com reports that Earth: Final Conflict actually enjoyed a wealth of awards nominations as well as a few key wins, including the 1998 Saturn Award nomination for 'Best Genre Cable/Syndicated Series' from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films. Also in 1998, the series won the 'Best Direction In A Syndicated Series' trophy from the Online Film & Television Association.
Honestly, I don't think I've ever come across a television program based in medicine that I've enjoyed. I think that by their very construction they're designed to tug at the heartstrings of the viewer organically, and I've always resented being 'forced' to care about a character or set of circumstances unless its of my own choosing. In any event, the premise of a medically-based show set in space was interesting enough to get Mercy Point off the drawing board (it premiered on this day back in 1998), even if for only a handful of medically-savvy episodes. Here's the premise as listed on IMDB.com:
"Across the Sahartic Divide from 23rd century Earth is the Jericho colony and its port of entry/hospital space station Mercy Point. Staffed by human, alien, and even android medical personnel, Mercy Point provides desperately-needed health care for the colony and any ship passing through the area."
"Across the Sahartic Divide from 23rd century Earth is the Jericho colony and its port of entry/hospital space station Mercy Point. Staffed by human, alien, and even android medical personnel, Mercy Point provides desperately-needed health care for the colony and any ship passing through the area."
Argh. Ahem. Folks, I grew up absolutely loving the story of the alleged Roswell UFO crash recovery, so I was legitimately excited when I learned that there was going to be a television program exploring a kinda/sorta 'what happened.' Alas, I turned in for this series' pilot and tuned out right away: it just wasn't for me. I've got nothing against any producer filling up a roster of talented tweenagers, but when it comes to series UFO legacies I'd rather stick with something a bit more adult. In any event, here's the series' premise as provided by IMDB.com:
"The lives of three young alien/human hybrids with extraordinary gifts in Roswell."
For the record:
While I freely admit the show just wasn't for me, I do have nothing but respect for a program that can 'hold its own,' especially when it comes to garnering some awards' mentions. Roswell did reasonably well, garnering a solid handful of nominations across a variety of outlets. In 2001, it even earned a Saturn Award nomination for 'Best Television Network Series' from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films.
"The lives of three young alien/human hybrids with extraordinary gifts in Roswell."
For the record:
While I freely admit the show just wasn't for me, I do have nothing but respect for a program that can 'hold its own,' especially when it comes to garnering some awards' mentions. Roswell did reasonably well, garnering a solid handful of nominations across a variety of outlets. In 2001, it even earned a Saturn Award nomination for 'Best Television Network Series' from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films.
It really is too bad no one at Paramount Pictures has ever had the cajones to greenlight a "Star Trek: Klingon Empire" television series. The Klingon race has such a rich tapestry of ideas upon which some truly great hours of Trek has already been built, and I have to wonder about what ends up staying on the drawing board, never to be seen again. Even something that wasn't all that interesting like Star Trek: Voyager's episode "Barge of the Dead" was still better than most other outings.
The show first aired on this day in 1999.
The show first aired on this day in 1999.
Ed Long (shown above in costume as Midro) joined Star Trek's third season outing -- "The Cloud Miners" -- in a cameo role. Though he's no longer with us, Long was born on this day in 1930.
When I was a little guy, I loved stumbling across the random Hercules or Sinbad flick playing on local syndicated channels late at night or early on Saturday mornings. I watched many of them as often as they were on, and I probably fell in love with the lovely Fay Spain over her work in Hercules Conquers Atlantis (1961). Though she's no longer with us, Spain was born on this day in 1932. [Source: IMDB.com]
After helping James Bond save the world in The Man With The Golden Gun, the lovely Britt Ekland reported for a guest starring stint on the 1970's SciFi-themed TV show, The Six Million Dollar Man. A few years later, she showed up as the clone 'Tenna' in the stellar Battlestar Galactica outing, "The Gun On Ice Planet Zero." Lastly -- in 1990 -- she played Lara, the Kryptonian mother of Superman in the cult classic TV program Superboy. Ekland was born on this day in 1942. [Source: IMDB.com]
Yes, I'm one of those men of a certain age old enough to have watched and enjoyed the two V miniseries and the subsequent television series it launched, and Michael Durrell was a part of all of them. The talented actor also booked appearances on Voyagers, Knight Rider, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and Alien Nation: Dark Horizon. Durrell was born on this day in 1943.
One of my primary rules here: "you play an alien, you deserve a mention." John Hostetter played an unnamed Bolian officer in the underwhelming Star Trek: Insurrection (1998), but that wasn't his only SciFi role. The actor appeared on Knight Rider, The Stepford Children (1987), Leonard Part 6 (1987), Quantum Leap, The Flash (CBS), Roswell (1994), and did voicework for the late 80's version of The Transformers. Though he's no longer with us, Hostetter was born on this day in 1946.
David Brin is a respected scientist, futurist, & author. He's penned such works as "Earth" (a Hugo runner-up from 1990), "Existence" (2012), and "The Postman" (1985), which served as the basis for 1997 motion picture starring Kevin Costner. Mr. Brin was born on this day back in 1950.
The venerable Mike Carlin has certainly put his imprint on the comic book industry, working on several titles that are very near and dear to my heart, including Batman, The Flash, Green Lantern, Star Trek, and the Star Trek: The Next Generation titles. Carlin was born on this day in 1958.
The venerable Adam Kubert is a comic book artist whose various works have appeared in such titles as Wolverine, X-Men, Superman, Batman Vs. Predator, The Incredible Hulk, and Star Trek. Kubert was born on this day in 1959.
The lovely Elisabeth Shue was only all-too-happy to sign aboard the Back to the Future trilogy starting with the 2nd film in the role as Jennifer Parker, Marty McFly's modern day girlfriend. And who could blame her? The time travel trilogy went on the break records at the box office. Shue was born on this day in 1963.
Like so many TV viewers, I fell completely in love with Jacqueline Obradors and her work aboard the long-running NYPD Blue, and thankfully she dipped her delicate toes into the realm of Fantasy so that I can feature her here. She's been a part of The Burning Zone, Sliders, Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001), Grimm, Lucifer, and The Last Ship. Obradors was born on this day in 1966. [Source: IMDB.com]
Amy Jo Johnson kicked butt, took names, and turned heads in the guise of the Pink Power Ranger for the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers back in its day. Johnson was born on this day in 1970.
Personally, I'll always remember Ioan Gruffudd best in those wonderful telefilm adaptations of the Horatio Hornblower series of books, but Hollywood came calling when they needed a leading man for Marvel Comics' adaptation of The Fantastic Four. Who can blame Ioan for answering? He played scientist Reed Richards -- aka Mr. Fantastic -- to great delight. Gruffudd was born on this day in 1973.
The original French Fantasy/Drama The Returned is worth a single viewing: though arguably a bit uneven -- with a vastly better first season than second -- never quite suitably answers all of the questions it raised, and perhaps that's why the Americanized version (starring Jeremy Sisto in a meaty role) never inspired audiences to hang with it on our side of the ocean. Sisto was born on this day in 1974. [Source: IMDB.com]
Funnyman Brett Gelman's particular brand of lunacy might not be to everyone's persuasion, but I've liked his work more than I've hated it (if that means anything). He's turned up all over the place -- mostly in comic roles -- including his work aboard Netflix's Stranger Things. Gelman was born on this day in 1976. [Source: IMDB.com]
I love Thunderbirds. I love the animated reboot, Thunderbirds Are Go. But the Thunderbirds (2004) live action movie really left a bad taste in my mouth, mostly because it ignored focusing on the original characters in lieu of some all-new secondary cast. Silly choice, Hollywood. Why not try again and give Lex Shrapnel (as John Tracy) the chance to really shine? He also enjoyed a small part in the stellar Captain America: The First Avenger. Shrapnel was born on this day in 1979.
And just what does the lovely Jenny Wade get in return for putting herself and her career through the Horror/Fantasy franchise that is Feast? Why, a bunch of blood-splattered costumes, that's what! Wade was born on this day in 1980. [Source: IMDB.com]
Don't let that mousey exterior fool you: Bronagh Waugh is serious business. As far as genre projects go, however, her resume is quite slim, boasting appearances in only Channel Zero and Supernatural. Waugh was born on this day in 1982. [Source: IMDB.com]
In the wide, weird world of genre entertainment, the fetching Hilary Jardine is definitely one to watch. She's made an impression on audiences in such properties as Smallville, Supernatural, Fringe, Somewhere Between, Zoo, Van Helsing, and Upload. Jardine was born on this day in 1983. [Source: IMDB.com]
Canadian-born Luisa D'Oliveira staked out some impressive territory with her role aboard the CW's The 100. She's also appeared on Supernatural, Storm Seekers (2009), Ice Twisters (2009), Seeds of Destruction (2011), and Syfy's forthcoming Channel Zero. The lovely lady was born on this day in 1986.
If you're one of the unfortunate souls who missed seeing the 2012 version of Dredd -- the second big-screen attempt to bring the seminal judge, jury, and executioner of tomorrow to cinematic life -- then all I'm gonna say is "Get thee to a screenery!" It's a fabulous action vehicle that only flirts with SciFi ideas, but they're definitely there. And while you're at it you get to take in a terrific gender-bending performance by the lovely Olivia Thirlby as the psy-powered Judge Anderson. Truth be told: she nearly steals the picture! Thirlby was born on this day in 1986.
Complete with a bleached white head of hair, the lovely Scarlett Byrne joined TNT's Falling Skies in its fourth season, playing the young adult version of Tom Mason's daughter Lexi with an almost angelic glee. Truth was Lexi was probably as good as she was evil (or was that vice versa?), bringing a whole new level of danger for the 2nd Mass. Bryne was born on this day in 1990.
Though most mainstream Fantasies interest me, I'll have to admit that the short-lived Emerald City never even dropped on to my radar. And that's a shame, especially given Stefanie Martini's contribution to the tale as 'Lady Ev.' Hopefully she'll turn up in something else deserving of greater attention. Martini was born on this day in 1990. [Source: IMDB.com]
Awwwww ... How could that lovely little lady be evil? Well, evil was in Isobelle Molloy's future (of a cinematic sort) with her work aboard Maleficent (2014) for Walt Disney Pictures. Molloy was born on this day in 2000. [Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1975 (in Sweden), the original Rollerball took another spin at the box office. Directed by Norman Jewison, the SciFi feature starred James Caan, John Houseman, and Maud Adams. Here's the premise that's provided via IMDB.com:
"In a corporate-controlled future, an ultra-violent sport known as Rollerball represents the world, and one of its powerful athletes is out to defy those who want him out of the game."
For the record:
Rollerball is one of those Science Fiction films, in my humble opinion, that probably means more for its time and place in history than it does decades later. This is not to say that it hasn't aged well but rather its themes and underlying social commentary has been afforded deeper and perhaps more relevant exposure in SciFi films since its day. In any event, Rollerball won the Saturn Award for Best Science Fiction Film for the organization's 1974/1975 ceremony, no small feat indeed.
"In a corporate-controlled future, an ultra-violent sport known as Rollerball represents the world, and one of its powerful athletes is out to defy those who want him out of the game."
For the record:
Rollerball is one of those Science Fiction films, in my humble opinion, that probably means more for its time and place in history than it does decades later. This is not to say that it hasn't aged well but rather its themes and underlying social commentary has been afforded deeper and perhaps more relevant exposure in SciFi films since its day. In any event, Rollerball won the Saturn Award for Best Science Fiction Film for the organization's 1974/1975 ceremony, no small feat indeed.
A star is born! On this day in 1989 (in Spain), audiences in attendance of the Sitges Film Festival were treated to the first theatrical presentation ever of Robot Jox! Written (in part) and directed by Stuart Gordon, the SciFi/Thriller starred Gary Graham, Anne-Marie Johnson, and Paul Koslo. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"50 years after a nuclear war, the two superpowers handle territorial disputes in a different way. Each fields a giant robot to fight one-on-one battles in official matches, each piloted by a man inside, known as robot jockeys or jox. The contest for possession of Alaska will be fought by two of the best. The conscientious Achilles fights for the Americans. Opposing him is a Russian, Alexander, a ruthless and bloodthirsty adversary who has killed his previous nine American opponents. With a traitor feeding the Russians secret weapons information and new, genetically-engineered jox looking to take his place, Achilles faces obstacles at every turn in the hardest battle of his life."
For the record:
Actually, the very first theatrical presentation of Robot Jox is a bit shrouded in mystery. IMDB.com reports it was first screened in 1989 in Spain at the festival, but there's no specific date attached to its airing. As Google.com indicates that the 1989 Sitges Film Festival was held from October 6th through October 14th, I am using the festival's opening date for this.
More for the record:
To the film's credit, Robot Jox enjoyed a wee bit of praise on the film festival circuit.
"50 years after a nuclear war, the two superpowers handle territorial disputes in a different way. Each fields a giant robot to fight one-on-one battles in official matches, each piloted by a man inside, known as robot jockeys or jox. The contest for possession of Alaska will be fought by two of the best. The conscientious Achilles fights for the Americans. Opposing him is a Russian, Alexander, a ruthless and bloodthirsty adversary who has killed his previous nine American opponents. With a traitor feeding the Russians secret weapons information and new, genetically-engineered jox looking to take his place, Achilles faces obstacles at every turn in the hardest battle of his life."
For the record:
Actually, the very first theatrical presentation of Robot Jox is a bit shrouded in mystery. IMDB.com reports it was first screened in 1989 in Spain at the festival, but there's no specific date attached to its airing. As Google.com indicates that the 1989 Sitges Film Festival was held from October 6th through October 14th, I am using the festival's opening date for this.
More for the record:
To the film's credit, Robot Jox enjoyed a wee bit of praise on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 2002 (in the U.S.), the Fantasy/Telefilm The Lost World took another spin of the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle classic. This incarnation starred Bob Hoskins and Tom Ward, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An expedition leaves for the Amazon to prove the existence of dinosaurs."
"An expedition leaves for the Amazon to prove the existence of dinosaurs."
On this day in 2006 (in Finland), Dr. Who And The Daleks enjoyed its television premiere. The feature cast Peter Cushing in the role as the signature Timelord, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"An eccentric inventor and his companions travel in his TARDIS to the Planet Skaro and battle the evil menace of the Daleks."
"An eccentric inventor and his companions travel in his TARDIS to the Planet Skaro and battle the evil menace of the Daleks."
A star is born! On this day in 2014 (in the U.S.), the SciFi/Fantasy hybrid better known as Dead Still found life with its first airing on television. Written and directed by Philip Adrian Booth, the feature starred Ben Browder, Gavin Casalegno, and Ray Wise; and here's the plot as highlighted on IMDB.com:
"Upon the death of his great grandfather, Brandon Davis a wedding photographer inherits an antique camera famous for taking Victorian death photography. After photographing his subjects they start to die from horrible, bizarre deaths."
"Upon the death of his great grandfather, Brandon Davis a wedding photographer inherits an antique camera famous for taking Victorian death photography. After photographing his subjects they start to die from horrible, bizarre deaths."
A star is born! On this day in 2015 (in the U.S.), the SciFi/Horror flick Martian Land poked its head up from the Red Planet for a release on home video. Directed by Scott Wheeler, the feature starred Lane Townsend, Alan Pietruszewski, and Jennifer Dorogi; and here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"In the distant future, a large portion of humanity lives on Mars, in cities that resemble those once found on Earth. The cities are protected from the inhospitable Martian atmosphere by dome-like force-fields. When a massive sandstorm breaks through the dome and destroys Mars New York, those in Mars Los Angeles must figure out how to stop the storm before it wipes them out next."
"In the distant future, a large portion of humanity lives on Mars, in cities that resemble those once found on Earth. The cities are protected from the inhospitable Martian atmosphere by dome-like force-fields. When a massive sandstorm breaks through the dome and destroys Mars New York, those in Mars Los Angeles must figure out how to stop the storm before it wipes them out next."
On this day in 2015, the SciFi Short Film Space Monster was released to the public via YouTube.com. The feature sprang from the mind of Andrea Ricca, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An alien ship crash delivers a monster from space, who will chase a young cop."
"An alien ship crash delivers a monster from space, who will chase a young cop."
- For those who'd like to know more, you can check out the short film on YouTube.com right here.
On this day in 2016 (in the U.S.), Alternate Realities (aka Flashes) gave audiences another look at the always interested 'What if ...?' with its release on home video. Directed by Amir Valinia, the feature starred Tom Sizemore, Elle LaMont, and Christopher Judge; and here's the plot summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"John Rotit is a happy, content man with a loving wife. Hours later, he's a rock star shooting up heroin. And after that...he's something far more sinister. John unwillingly flashes between three parallel lives in which he knowingly exists in each. He has no clue how or why this phenomenon is occurring, only that he wants it to stop. John's judgment becomes clouded as he'll do anything he can to end his flashes and remain in the one life where he's truly happy."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Alternate Realities enjoyed a bit of praise from screenings of the film festival circuit.
"John Rotit is a happy, content man with a loving wife. Hours later, he's a rock star shooting up heroin. And after that...he's something far more sinister. John unwillingly flashes between three parallel lives in which he knowingly exists in each. He has no clue how or why this phenomenon is occurring, only that he wants it to stop. John's judgment becomes clouded as he'll do anything he can to end his flashes and remain in the one life where he's truly happy."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Alternate Realities enjoyed a bit of praise from screenings of the film festival circuit.
A star is born! On this day in 2016 (in the U.S.), the Fantasy-themed picture The Monster first roared for audiences in attendance of the Beyond Fest. Written and directed by Bryan Bertino, the feature starred Zoe Kazan, Aaron Douglas, and Ella Ballentine; and here's the plot summary as listed on IMDB.com:
"A mother and daughter must confront a terrifying monster when they break down on a deserted road."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Monster definitely garnered a modest amount of praise. At the 2017 iHorror Awards, the film enjoyed three nominations (two for 'Best Actress' and one for 'Best Direct Release Horror); and at the 2017 Fangoria Chainsaw Awards it secured two nominations -- 'Best Makeup & SFX' and 'Best Supporting Actress.'
"A mother and daughter must confront a terrifying monster when they break down on a deserted road."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Monster definitely garnered a modest amount of praise. At the 2017 iHorror Awards, the film enjoyed three nominations (two for 'Best Actress' and one for 'Best Direct Release Horror); and at the 2017 Fangoria Chainsaw Awards it secured two nominations -- 'Best Makeup & SFX' and 'Best Supporting Actress.'
On this day in 2017 (in Austria, Bulgaria, Canada, and a whole host of additional countries), Warner Bros. achieved the unthinkable by delving back into the world of Blade Runner with its equally visionary sequel, Blade Runner 2049. Directed by Denis Villenueve, the film starred Ryan Gosling, Ana de Armas, and Harrison Ford; and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Officer K, a new blade runner for the Los Angeles Police Department, unearths a long-buried secret that has the potential to plunge what's left of society into chaos. His discovery leads him on a quest to find Rick Deckard, a former blade runner who's been missing for 30 years."
For the record:
Blade Runner 2049 brought back the world of tomorrow in a big way, both with audiences and critical organizations.
ExtraExtra Alert:
SciFiHistory.Net readers interested in knowing what I thought about the film can find my review right here.
"Officer K, a new blade runner for the Los Angeles Police Department, unearths a long-buried secret that has the potential to plunge what's left of society into chaos. His discovery leads him on a quest to find Rick Deckard, a former blade runner who's been missing for 30 years."
For the record:
Blade Runner 2049 brought back the world of tomorrow in a big way, both with audiences and critical organizations.
- At the 2018 Academy Awards, the film took home top honors the categories of 'Best Achievement In Cinematography' and 'Best Achievement In Special Effects' while having to settle for nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Achievement In Production Design,' 'Best Achievement In Sound Mixing,' and 'Best Achievement In Sound Editing.'
- At the 2018 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), the picture took home the highly-coveted 'Best Science Fiction Film' trophy while settling for nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Make-Up,' 'Best Production Design,' 'Best Supporting Actress,' 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Actor,' 'Best Writing,' and 'Best Director.'
- The film enjoyed the nomination from the 2018 Hugo Awards in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation - Long Form.'
- If you scan the flick's IMDB.com awards page, you can find an incredible assortment of other citations, making it one of the more decorated SciFi films in many years. You can find that page right here.
ExtraExtra Alert:
SciFiHistory.Net readers interested in knowing what I thought about the film can find my review right here.
On this day in 1963, Gerry Anderson's Fireball XL5 aired "Ghosts Of Space." This served as the thirty-sixth episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary that's been provided via IMDB.com:
"Fireball XL5 brings explorer Fraser to Planet Electon, where there is sediments of Electric rock. However, he has to stay in a Ghost Town. Three months later, as Fireball XL5 comes to bring him back to Earth, Fraser has become very greedy due to its discovery and refuses to leave without its share of rocks. In the meanwhile, Elf-like aliens from neighboring Planet Globeris are probably behind some strange happenings done in the Ghost Town in order to harvest the precious electric rocks..."
"Fireball XL5 brings explorer Fraser to Planet Electon, where there is sediments of Electric rock. However, he has to stay in a Ghost Town. Three months later, as Fireball XL5 comes to bring him back to Earth, Fraser has become very greedy due to its discovery and refuses to leave without its share of rocks. In the meanwhile, Elf-like aliens from neighboring Planet Globeris are probably behind some strange happenings done in the Ghost Town in order to harvest the precious electric rocks..."
Look out! There's a Special Effect watching us! On this day in 1965, Lost in Space lumbered forward, airing its 4th episode. "There Be Giants In the Earth" pitted the Robinson family against some nasty creatures, including a giant cyclops!
On this day back in 1966, the Star Trek (TOS) episode "The Enemy Within" aired on NBC. In this story, a transporter malfunction split Captain Kirk into two entities -- one good and one who wanted to have his lecherous way with Ensign Rand.
Exactly one year later, Star Trek (aka 1967) was up to its 'Good Kirk / Bad Kirk' all over again, but, this time, the adventure paved the way for so many wonderful parallel universe adventures in all of Trekdom. "Mirror, Mirror" proposed a transporter accident actually propelled Kirk, Uhura, McCoy and Scotty into another dimension -- one where Starfleet was more of an empire than a benevolent space society -- while depositing their exact counterparts in our world. Even four decades later, it's easy to see why this rates as one of Trek's best hours ... and that's not even mentioning Evil Spock!
On this day in 1967, ITV aired the second episode of Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons, an action-packed adventure titled "Winged Assassin." According to our friends over at TV.com, here's the plot summary:
"A Mysteron sniper performs an unsuccessful attempt on the forces' new target: The Director General of the United Asian Republic, with Captain Grey arriving in the nick of time, and succeeding in disposing of the eavesdropping gunman. From then on, all personnel from Cloudbase and Spectrum H.Q. – London, along with the recovering Captain Scarlet, and his original partner Captain Blue, are dispatched to protect the Director General at all costs, whom has made arrangements to return to his home country. But the Spectrum officers are completely unaware of the inbound Mysteron-reconstructed civilian Stratojet airliner, the enemies' tool to fix and complete their assassination upon the important international foreign figure."
"A Mysteron sniper performs an unsuccessful attempt on the forces' new target: The Director General of the United Asian Republic, with Captain Grey arriving in the nick of time, and succeeding in disposing of the eavesdropping gunman. From then on, all personnel from Cloudbase and Spectrum H.Q. – London, along with the recovering Captain Scarlet, and his original partner Captain Blue, are dispatched to protect the Director General at all costs, whom has made arrangements to return to his home country. But the Spectrum officers are completely unaware of the inbound Mysteron-reconstructed civilian Stratojet airliner, the enemies' tool to fix and complete their assassination upon the important international foreign figure."
On this day in 1971, Ace Of Wands aired "The Eye Of Ra: Part 3." This served as the twelfth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Eye of Ra, a diamond reputed to have the power to turn people into chalk, is high on eccentric chess master Ceribraun's shopping list. Believing that the diamond has turned Mr Sweet into a chalk statuette, Tarot decides to act. He soon finds himself a prisoner of Ceribraun's talking computer, and in danger of being crushed of being crushed to death between giant robotic chess pieces."
"The Eye of Ra, a diamond reputed to have the power to turn people into chalk, is high on eccentric chess master Ceribraun's shopping list. Believing that the diamond has turned Mr Sweet into a chalk statuette, Tarot decides to act. He soon finds himself a prisoner of Ceribraun's talking computer, and in danger of being crushed of being crushed to death between giant robotic chess pieces."
It all began right here: on this day in 1974, the anime favorite Star Blazers began airing in Japan with its very first episode. Here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at TV.com:
"The Star Force Returns Home! With the Cosmo DNA, they are ready to save Earth. But one final battle may cost them a crew member closest to Wildstar..."
"The Star Force Returns Home! With the Cosmo DNA, they are ready to save Earth. But one final battle may cost them a crew member closest to Wildstar..."
On this day in 1976, Star Maidens aired the sixth episode of its single season existence. The adventure was titled "The Trial," and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Correct title is 'The Trial'. Earth hostage Dr Rudi Schmidt is forced to perform menial work, on the surface and in the city, but rebels - and other Medusan men join him. He is caught and handed over to Liz to supervise."
"Correct title is 'The Trial'. Earth hostage Dr Rudi Schmidt is forced to perform menial work, on the surface and in the city, but rebels - and other Medusan men join him. He is caught and handed over to Liz to supervise."
On this day in 1978, Wonder Woman aired "The Deadly Sting." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When several sporting events end with less favored team winning, Diana and Steve try to find out if something is going on. At the same time the mob is also worried so tell the man in charge of the sports betting to find out. And they discover a scientist who needs money for his project making people do things that they wouldn't do. When the criminals orders the scientist to tell someone to kill someone he tries to get out."
"When several sporting events end with less favored team winning, Diana and Steve try to find out if something is going on. At the same time the mob is also worried so tell the man in charge of the sports betting to find out. And they discover a scientist who needs money for his project making people do things that they wouldn't do. When the criminals orders the scientist to tell someone to kill someone he tries to get out."
On this day in 1979, Jason Of Star Command aired "Beyond The Stars!" Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's second (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Dragos sends an undercover agent into Star Command to kidnap Professor Parsafoot."
"Dragos sends an undercover agent into Star Command to kidnap Professor Parsafoot."
On this day in 1984, CBS's Airwolf aired "Moffett's Ghost." This served as the third episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary handily provided by IMDB.com:
"The Firm asks String to covertly shuttle a renowned researcher and diplomat, Dr. Roger Burton, to Russia for a secret meeting since Airwolf can get past the Russian defenses without being detected. Unfortunately, before Hawke can go back and recover Dr. Burton, a virus implanted by Airwolf's creator, the late Dr. Moffett, rears its ugly head and threatens not only the destruction of the supercopter but the elimination of the Firm as well unless a computer programmer String knows can undo the damage the evil Dr. Moffett concocted."
"The Firm asks String to covertly shuttle a renowned researcher and diplomat, Dr. Roger Burton, to Russia for a secret meeting since Airwolf can get past the Russian defenses without being detected. Unfortunately, before Hawke can go back and recover Dr. Burton, a virus implanted by Airwolf's creator, the late Dr. Moffett, rears its ugly head and threatens not only the destruction of the supercopter but the elimination of the Firm as well unless a computer programmer String knows can undo the damage the evil Dr. Moffett concocted."
On this day in 1984, The Tripods aired "France: July, 2089 AD." This served as the fourth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Will, Henry and their new companion, Beanpole, continue on their journey by way of an abandon Paris."
"Will, Henry and their new companion, Beanpole, continue on their journey by way of an abandon Paris."
On this day in 1986, the United Kingdom was treated to the second episode of Chocky's Challenge. According to our friends at TV.com, here's the plot summary:
"Matthew receives an art scholarship. Meanwhile, Chocky contacts other children from around the world who she wants to build some equipment that can harness cosmic energy. Albertine is joined by Mike and Su Lin who help her with her research, but she is later joined by the mysterious Paul."
"Matthew receives an art scholarship. Meanwhile, Chocky contacts other children from around the world who she wants to build some equipment that can harness cosmic energy. Albertine is joined by Mike and Su Lin who help her with her research, but she is later joined by the mysterious Paul."
On this day in 1986, The Adventures of the Galaxy Rangers aired "Armada." This (technically) served as the program's twenty-seventh episode (they were aired wildly out of sequence), and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Lazarus Slade develops a new engine for the Queen. She assembles an armada to attack the Earth. While Niko and Goose try to find any possible weakness in the ships, B.E.T.A. braces for an attack against overwhelming odds."
"Lazarus Slade develops a new engine for the Queen. She assembles an armada to attack the Earth. While Niko and Goose try to find any possible weakness in the ships, B.E.T.A. braces for an attack against overwhelming odds."
On this day in 1990, Star Trek: The Next Generation aired "Brothers." This served as the third episode of the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"After an accident aboard the Enterprise leaves one of its children in grave danger, Data commandeers the Enterprise, driven to take him to an unknown origin, where an interesting figure awaits."
"After an accident aboard the Enterprise leaves one of its children in grave danger, Data commandeers the Enterprise, driven to take him to an unknown origin, where an interesting figure awaits."
On this day in 1991, Super Force returned to the TV broadcast schedule with the premiere of its second season. The first episode was titled "At The End of the Tunnel: Part 1," and here's the plot summary from TV.com:
"Zach is near death after being injured by a malfunction in his Super Force helmet. A psychic is enlisted to help save his life."
"Zach is near death after being injured by a malfunction in his Super Force helmet. A psychic is enlisted to help save his life."
On this day in 1992, Quantum Leap aired "Nowhere To Run." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's fifth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"As a double amputee Vietnam veteran, Sam must prevent the suicide of a fellow hospital patient."
"As a double amputee Vietnam veteran, Sam must prevent the suicide of a fellow hospital patient."
On this day in 1995, Fox TV's The X-Files aired "D.P.O." This served as the third episode of the popular program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The agents investigate the deaths of several young people who were apparently struck by lightning in the same small town."
"The agents investigate the deaths of several young people who were apparently struck by lightning in the same small town."
On this day in 1996, Lois & Clark: The New Adventures Of Superman aired "Swear To God, This Time We're Not Kidding." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's fourth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The long-awaited wedding of Lois and Clark is threatened by a vengeful asylum escapee."
"The long-awaited wedding of Lois and Clark is threatened by a vengeful asylum escapee."
On this day in 1997, Babylon 5 aired "Between The Darkness And The Light." This served as the nineteenth episode of the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided via IMDB.com:
"Garibaldi, now freed of Bester's influence, tries to find allies to free Sheridan. But no one trusts him, not even those who used to call him friend. Now Garbaldi, Franklin, and Lyta try to free Sheridan. Meanwhile Ivanova and Marcus find out Clark has new more powerful ships. They take a contingent of White stars to destroy the new ships, someone will pay a high price for the victory."
"Garibaldi, now freed of Bester's influence, tries to find allies to free Sheridan. But no one trusts him, not even those who used to call him friend. Now Garbaldi, Franklin, and Lyta try to free Sheridan. Meanwhile Ivanova and Marcus find out Clark has new more powerful ships. They take a contingent of White stars to destroy the new ships, someone will pay a high price for the victory."
It all began right here: on this day in 1997, Earth: Final Conflict premiered in television syndication. The first episode was titled "Decision," and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Police captain William Boone is asked to join the security team of Companion Da'an of the Taelon, an alien race that came to earth three years ago."
"Police captain William Boone is asked to join the security team of Companion Da'an of the Taelon, an alien race that came to earth three years ago."
On this day in 1997, Timecop aired "Stalker." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's only season on original broadcast television, and here's the plot summary as provided by TVGuide.com:
"The Ripper returns to wreak havoc on the TEC when he travels to 1956 to kill a famous actress whose death could affect the entire world."
"The Ripper returns to wreak havoc on the TEC when he travels to 1956 to kill a famous actress whose death could affect the entire world."
It all began right here: on this day in 1998, Mercy Point opened its space doors for space business. Officially, the first episode was titled "New Arrivals," and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The medical staff tries to find the cure for a computer virus that has begun to affect humans. An operation involving a mother and her unborn child is conducted in zero gravity. Dru Breslaur joins the hospital as a new resident and is forced to confront her past with her older sister Haylen Breslauer, and develops a romance with C. J. Jurado. She also decides to help alien physiologist Grote Maxwell in his search for his missing family. ANI is promoted to the position of head nurse."
"The medical staff tries to find the cure for a computer virus that has begun to affect humans. An operation involving a mother and her unborn child is conducted in zero gravity. Dru Breslaur joins the hospital as a new resident and is forced to confront her past with her older sister Haylen Breslauer, and develops a romance with C. J. Jurado. She also decides to help alien physiologist Grote Maxwell in his search for his missing family. ANI is promoted to the position of head nurse."
It all began right here: on this day in 1999, Roswell aired its pilot episode on what was then the WB Network. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Liz Parker is an average teenager, until one day she is shot during an altercation at the Crashdown café, where she works. A fellow classmate named Max Evans rushes to her side and miraculously saves her from death. Liz later learns that Max, along with his sister Isabel and their friend Michael Guerin, are not really from around here. To be exact, Max, Isabel and Michael are aliens, who are survivors of the 1947 UFO crash in Roswell, New Mexico. But, Max, Isabel and Micheal's secret is not totally safe, as the local Sheriff, Jim Valenti is beginning to suspect something is amiss."
"Liz Parker is an average teenager, until one day she is shot during an altercation at the Crashdown café, where she works. A fellow classmate named Max Evans rushes to her side and miraculously saves her from death. Liz later learns that Max, along with his sister Isabel and their friend Michael Guerin, are not really from around here. To be exact, Max, Isabel and Michael are aliens, who are survivors of the 1947 UFO crash in Roswell, New Mexico. But, Max, Isabel and Micheal's secret is not totally safe, as the local Sheriff, Jim Valenti is beginning to suspect something is amiss."
On this day in 1999, Seven Days aired "Pinball Wizard." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Frank must undo a missile attack on the pentagon by a young woman who thinks she is playing a video game."
"Frank must undo a missile attack on the pentagon by a young woman who thinks she is playing a video game."
On this day in 2003, Gene Roddenberry's Andromeda aired "Pieces Of Eight." This served as the second episode of the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The governing body of the Commonwealth has voted "no-confidence" in triumvir Tri-Jema, she sends Dylan to get the Andromeda refitted and visit an augur, who is told to be infallible. This augur, dubbed Citizen Eight, aims to take Tri-Jema's place as triumvir and, according to the triumvir, remove Dylan from command of the Andromeda. The robots sent to the Andromeda to start pre-upgrade repairs turn against the crew, forcing Dylan and Harper to shut them down. Dylan must deal with Citizen Eight before he can bring down the Commonwealth from within."
"The governing body of the Commonwealth has voted "no-confidence" in triumvir Tri-Jema, she sends Dylan to get the Andromeda refitted and visit an augur, who is told to be infallible. This augur, dubbed Citizen Eight, aims to take Tri-Jema's place as triumvir and, according to the triumvir, remove Dylan from command of the Andromeda. The robots sent to the Andromeda to start pre-upgrade repairs turn against the crew, forcing Dylan and Harper to shut them down. Dylan must deal with Citizen Eight before he can bring down the Commonwealth from within."
On this day in 2003, Mutant X aired "Wages of Sin." This served as the second episode in the program's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Mutant X team must stop the auction of a highly lethal substance that a number of notorious international terrorists are vying to acquire."
"The Mutant X team must stop the auction of a highly lethal substance that a number of notorious international terrorists are vying to acquire."
On this day in 2008, Heroes aired "Chapter 04: I Am Become Death." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In the present day, Tracy Strauss visits Dr. Zimmerman and learns of her origins. She is having trouble coming to grips with what she has done but Nathan rescues her. Having injected himself, Suresh continues his transformation. Matt Parkman continues his spirit walk and sees the paintings of his future. Hiro and Ando find themselves imprisoned in Level 5 but Mrs. Petrelli tells Hiro he has the key to unlocking the mystery. Four years into the future, both Peter Petrellis find themselves hunted by Claire. It's a world where anyone who can afford it can simply inject themselves in order to have superpowers. Present day Peter visits Suresh and tries to locate Sylar. When he does find him, he's not quite what he expected. He also tries to warn his brother, who is now President of the United States."
"In the present day, Tracy Strauss visits Dr. Zimmerman and learns of her origins. She is having trouble coming to grips with what she has done but Nathan rescues her. Having injected himself, Suresh continues his transformation. Matt Parkman continues his spirit walk and sees the paintings of his future. Hiro and Ando find themselves imprisoned in Level 5 but Mrs. Petrelli tells Hiro he has the key to unlocking the mystery. Four years into the future, both Peter Petrellis find themselves hunted by Claire. It's a world where anyone who can afford it can simply inject themselves in order to have superpowers. Present day Peter visits Suresh and tries to locate Sylar. When he does find him, he's not quite what he expected. He also tries to warn his brother, who is now President of the United States."
On this day in 2008 (in Australia), Time Trackers aired "Pendulum Swing Like A Pendulum Do." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's only original season on broadcast television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The ship needs to be kicked started, so Balls offers to use his heart-drive to assist; meanwhile Kevin and Stuart try to persuade Galileo Galilei to invent the pendulum clock."
"The ship needs to be kicked started, so Balls offers to use his heart-drive to assist; meanwhile Kevin and Stuart try to persuade Galileo Galilei to invent the pendulum clock."
On this day in 2012, Green Lantern: The Animated Series aired "Reboot." This was the fifteenth episode of its only season, and here's the plot summary compliments of TV.com:
"When the Anti-Monitor makes his presence known, Hal turns to Kilowog and Aya for assistance."
"When the Anti-Monitor makes his presence known, Hal turns to Kilowog and Aya for assistance."
On this day in 2015 (in Belgium and the Netherlands), Continuum aired "Power Hour." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's fourth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Alec takes a definitive step toward shaping a positive future, by joining Carlos and the VPD. Kiera and Garza form an alliance in order to recon the new future soldiers compound and uncover their plan, but is Kiera's trust of Brad putting everyone in danger?"
"Alec takes a definitive step toward shaping a positive future, by joining Carlos and the VPD. Kiera and Garza form an alliance in order to recon the new future soldiers compound and uncover their plan, but is Kiera's trust of Brad putting everyone in danger?"
On this day in 2016 (in the United Kingdom), Red Dwarf aired "Give & Take." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's eleventh season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After an altercation with a deranged droid Lister has his kidneys organ-napped. The only solution is to ask Cat, the most selfish creature in the universe, to give him one of his."
"After an altercation with a deranged droid Lister has his kidneys organ-napped. The only solution is to ask Cat, the most selfish creature in the universe, to give him one of his."
