Long before K.I.T.T. graced the airwaves with its brand of action and adventure, TV audiences had to make do with a little something-something called My Mother The Car. The Fantasy/Comedy starred Jerry Van Dyke, Maggie Pierce, Ann Sothern, and Cindy Eilbacher in big roles; but -- alas -- this 'high concept procedural' lasted only a single fun-filled season. Here's the series' premise as provided by IMDB.com:
"The story of the relationship between a man and his mother, the latter having been reincarnated as a 1928 Porter automobile."
"The story of the relationship between a man and his mother, the latter having been reincarnated as a 1928 Porter automobile."
Though I'm not opposed to a bit of Romance with my genre Comedy, I'm not sure something like The Girl With Something Extra had what it took to get out of that 'single season existence' so many programs suffer when it comes to dabbling with Science Fiction, Fantasy, and more. Still, such likable stars as Sally Field and John Davidson probably wooed as many viewers to the channel as they could: the rest, as they say, is history. Here's the premise as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"Sally and John Burton were normal but cute newlyweds attempting to begin a quiet new life together. The only problem was that Sally was "blessed" with powers of ESP. Her skills at mind-reading got her and John into plenty of wacky situations."
"Sally and John Burton were normal but cute newlyweds attempting to begin a quiet new life together. The only problem was that Sally was "blessed" with powers of ESP. Her skills at mind-reading got her and John into plenty of wacky situations."
Alas, folks, I can't tell you all that much about The Adventures Of The Galaxy Rangers, which premiered on this day back in 1986. From what I've read, it does seem to be fondly remembered by those who saw it; and I can't seem to find its full run available on streaming at this point. Curious. In any event, here's the series' premise as provided by IMDB.com:
"Four elite Galaxy Rangers with unique abilities defend law & order among the space colonies and protect humanity from the evil Crown Empire."
"Four elite Galaxy Rangers with unique abilities defend law & order among the space colonies and protect humanity from the evil Crown Empire."
From what I can surmise, Maniac Mansion was a show that -- while around for a short time -- kinda/sorta never quite found audiences in search of its quirky genre sensibilities. Indeed, I'd only heard of the show recently -- I stumbled upon it when researching a celebrity death -- but it definitely sounds like I type of show I would've watched had I known of it. In any event, here's the series' premise as provided by the folks at IMDB.com:
"Maniac Mansion features the lives of the Edisons; a family living in a mansion in an upscale American suburban neighborhood. Fred (Joe Flaherty) is the father, husband, scientist and inventor. Casey (Deborah Theaker) is the pragmatic mother and wife. Teenage genius, Tina (Kathleen Robertson), juvenile Ike (Avi Phillips) and toddler Turner (George Buza) are their three children. Also inhabiting the mansion are Casey's brother Harry Orca (John Hemphill), Harry's wife Idella Muckle-Orca (Mary Charlotte-Wilcox) and a sentient meteor. Fred conducts many experiments ranging from cloud seeding to saving the environment with worms to creating giant mutated weeds. Most of the experiments have unintended outcomes. One mishap, for the complete run of the series, results in Turner being turned into an adult with the mind of a child and Harry being changed into a fly with a human head."
"Maniac Mansion features the lives of the Edisons; a family living in a mansion in an upscale American suburban neighborhood. Fred (Joe Flaherty) is the father, husband, scientist and inventor. Casey (Deborah Theaker) is the pragmatic mother and wife. Teenage genius, Tina (Kathleen Robertson), juvenile Ike (Avi Phillips) and toddler Turner (George Buza) are their three children. Also inhabiting the mansion are Casey's brother Harry Orca (John Hemphill), Harry's wife Idella Muckle-Orca (Mary Charlotte-Wilcox) and a sentient meteor. Fred conducts many experiments ranging from cloud seeding to saving the environment with worms to creating giant mutated weeds. Most of the experiments have unintended outcomes. One mishap, for the complete run of the series, results in Turner being turned into an adult with the mind of a child and Harry being changed into a fly with a human head."
Let it be said: one can never have too much Back To The Future ... so on this day in 1991 the television set produced yet one more -- this one even more kid-friendly -- with the premiere of an animated spin-off from the popular motion picture trilogy. It lasted two fun-filled seasons, and here's the series' premise as provided by IMDB.com:
"An animated series based on the movie of the same name. Marty, Doc Brown, Jules and Verne travel through time in the Doctor's modified DeLorean, bouncing from one era to the next where a different adventure awaits them each time. Between shows there are live-action segments featuring Christopher Lloyd as Doc Brown with Bill Nye the Science Guy."
"An animated series based on the movie of the same name. Marty, Doc Brown, Jules and Verne travel through time in the Doctor's modified DeLorean, bouncing from one era to the next where a different adventure awaits them each time. Between shows there are live-action segments featuring Christopher Lloyd as Doc Brown with Bill Nye the Science Guy."
I don't want a great deal of Horror series, frankly, so I can't tell you a great deal about Vampire: The Masquerade - L.A. By Night ... well, other than the fact that it premiered on this day back in 2018 and gave big roles to such illuminaries as Cynthia Marie, Alexander Ward, B. Dave Walters, and Erika Ishii. Here's the series' premise as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"Led by Storyteller Jason Carl of White Wolf Entertainment, L.A. By Night is a dark tale of personal horror and inhuman conspiracy that sees four vampires doing their best to navigate the macabre affairs and terrifying realities of surviving the L.A. night."
"Led by Storyteller Jason Carl of White Wolf Entertainment, L.A. By Night is a dark tale of personal horror and inhuman conspiracy that sees four vampires doing their best to navigate the macabre affairs and terrifying realities of surviving the L.A. night."
Though he's arguably remember more for his work in the great American western, Douglas Kennedy did learn that transparency isn't all its cracked up to be with a role aboard The Amazing Transparent Man (1960). Though he's no longer with us, Kennedy was born on this day in 1915.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
For reasons I don't quite understand, George Pal's Atlantis: The Lost Continent (1961) doesn't get near the love that the man's other genre entries do, but -- as they say -- it is what it is. Joyce Taylor appears in the film as the lovely 'Princess Antillia,' and Taylor was born on this day in 1932.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though I was never much a fan of UPN's Star Trek: Voyager, I thought the program did make great use of some talented guest stars. Case in point: the great Harve Presnell played a Confederate officer aboard the third season Q-centric outing, "The Q and the Grey." Though he's no longer with us, Presnell was born on this day in 1933.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Walter Koenig was a 'latecomer' to our Star Trek beloved franchise, and rumor has it he was brought in -- along with his Davy Jones haircut -- to help entice the younger ladies to tune in. Thank Goodness, he came, as I can't imagine the crew of the Enterprise without that unmistakable Russian accent and attitude!
Like many of his Trek contemporaries, Koenig has been no slouch when it comes to continuing to work in the fields of Science Fiction and Fantasy, and his exceptional output has included scripts, novels, and comic books for fandom to enjoy. As for other screen forays, he has been served time aboard The Starlost, Bring 'Em Back Alive, Moontrap (1988), The Real Ghostbusters (animated), Babylon 5, Futurama, Mad Cowgirl (2006), InAlienable (2007), Scream Of The Bikini (2009), Renegades, and Star Trek: Picard.
Koenig was born on this day back in 1936.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
Like many of his Trek contemporaries, Koenig has been no slouch when it comes to continuing to work in the fields of Science Fiction and Fantasy, and his exceptional output has included scripts, novels, and comic books for fandom to enjoy. As for other screen forays, he has been served time aboard The Starlost, Bring 'Em Back Alive, Moontrap (1988), The Real Ghostbusters (animated), Babylon 5, Futurama, Mad Cowgirl (2006), InAlienable (2007), Scream Of The Bikini (2009), Renegades, and Star Trek: Picard.
Koenig was born on this day back in 1936.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
- At the 1983 Saturn Awards, Koenig received a nomination in the category of 'Best Supporting Actor' for his work aboard Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Khan (1982).
- At the 1987 Saturn Awards, the actor received his second 'Best Supporting Actor' nomination for his work aboard Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986).
Actor Bruce Hyde had two guest stints on the original Star Trek. Playing the young, brash 'Kevin Riley,' he certainly made the most of his appearances. Though he's no longer with us, Hyde was born on this day back in 1941.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The biggest part of making SciFi believable -- especially for any motion picture -- is having talented actors in key roles ... kind of like casting Sam Neill as dinosaur 'expert,' Dr. Alan Grant in Jurassic Park. Neill had a great mix of traits that made the unimaginable situation more imaginable, and the picture was stronger by him having been in it. Happy birthday wishes go out to Mr. Neill; he was born on this day back in 1947.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Antoinette Stella played a key role in the rebellion at the heart of "Planet of the Amazon Women," a first season episode of NBC's popular Buck Rogers In The 25th Century. Stella was born on this day in 1952.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Veteran character actor Robert Wisdom has shown his considerable wisdom by participating in such genre projects as The Sentinel, Invader, Poltergeist: The Legacy, Supernatural, and 12 Monkeys. Wisdom was born on this day in 1953.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Mary Crosby -- shown above in the arms of the late Robert Urich -- played the lovely but scheming Princess Karina in 1984's cultish sci-fi comedy, The Ice Pirates. The actress also enjoyed visits to such projects as Automan, Freddy's Nightmares, Lois & Clark: The New Adventures Of Superman, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Cupid (1997), and The Legend Of Zorro (2005). Crosby was born on this day in 1959.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2017, I caught a broadcast airing of The Ice Pirates (1984) when it made the rounds on pay cable. Interested readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2017, I caught a broadcast airing of The Ice Pirates (1984) when it made the rounds on pay cable. Interested readers can find my review right here.
The beautiful Ashlyn Gere played arguably one of the most beautiful but deadly forms of Artificial Intelligence aboard a handful of episodes of Fox TV's Space: Above And Beyond. She also guested aboard The X-Files. Gere was born on this day in 1959.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
A fetching ginger with the coolest name ever, Haviland Morris found life in the corporate world ain't as easy as pie, especially when you find yourself up against Gremlins 2: The New Batch. Morris was born on this day in 1959.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Ah, the smile just gives it away! The lovely Melissa Leo may've been little more than a computerized insert into the Tom Cruise SciFi flick Oblivion, but in the realms of Science Fiction that definitely deserves our attention. Leo was born on this day in 1960.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Playing a duplicitous human is challenging enough, but Callum Keith Rennie certainly made playing a duplicitous Cylon even more interesting! His 'Leoben' was always up to something, and he was one of the reasons many folks kept watching. Since that time on Syfy's Battlestar Galactica, he's also turned up in FlashForward, Alphas, and even The X-Files: I Want To Believe. Rennie was born on this day in 1960.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Michelle Stafford realized there was nowhere to run when life as we know it came crashing down in the SciFi TV flick, Earthfall, in 2015. The lovely lady was born on this day in 1965.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Joon-ho Bong is a Korean screenwriter whose SciFi-themed monster movie, The Host, explores society's fears of what mankind's contamination of our environment might be wreaking havoc on our very survival. He also celebrates today as his birthday, having been born in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
According to Trekmovie.com, writer/actor Tyler Perry wasn't what he'd call a Trekkie by any stretch of the imagination when JJ Abrams asked him to be a part of Star Trek (2009), but after seeing the movie's theatrical trailer he was seriously considering it! So ... how did he show up in a film after it was allegedly already produced and marketed? Curious. Perry was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Voice actor Christopher McCulloch has the chops to deliver major laughs in genre animated projects. Fans probably know him best for his work aboard Cartoon Network's The Venture Bros. McCulloch was born on this day in 1971.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The face of Andrew Lincoln is probably one of the most recognizable mugs in all of the Zombie Apocalypse that is AMC's entertaining juggernaut The Walking Dead. Other genre appearances include work aboard Afterlife, Fear The Walking Dead, and Guillermo Del Toro's Cabinet Of Curiosities. Lincoln was born on this day in 1973.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
To the man's credit, Lincoln has enjoyed seven different Saturn Award nominations in the category of 'Best Actor On Television' (2011, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019) for his work aboard AMC's The Walking Dead. He successfully went home with the big trophy in 2015 and 2017.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
To the man's credit, Lincoln has enjoyed seven different Saturn Award nominations in the category of 'Best Actor On Television' (2011, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019) for his work aboard AMC's The Walking Dead. He successfully went home with the big trophy in 2015 and 2017.
Pakistan-born Dilshad Vadsaria gave Science Fiction a solid try with a top role aboard Fox TV's short-lived Second Chance. Vadsaria was born on this day in 1977.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Screenwriter Bryan Woods used his imagination and a modest amount of special effects to give audiences a thrill aboard 2018's sleeper SciFi hit A Quiet Place. Woods was born on this day in 1984.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Young and lovely Michelle Jenner found herself in the uncompromising position between love and a possible alien invasion in the SciFi/Comedy Extraterrestrial (2011). Jenner was born on this day in 1986.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Well before going all turn-of-the-century hoity-toity on Downton Abbey, Jessica Brown Findlay played a guest role much nearer and dearer to fanboys everywhere aboard the BBC's deliciously demented superhero comedy, Misfits (pictured above). Findlay was born on this day in 1989.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Jesse James certainly knows his way around Science Fiction. Early in his career, he enjoyed a role aboard Fox TV's The X-Files before going on to time travel lunacy in both The Butterfly Effect (2004) and Jumper (2008). James was born on this day in 1989.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
A star is born! On this day in 1929, The Mysterious Island played for audiences in attendance of its first theatrical engagement ever in the great big city of Newark, New Jersey. Based on the novel by Jules Verne, the feature starred Lionel Barrymore, Jacqueline Gadsdon, and Lloyd Hughes; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"On a volcanic island near the kingdom of Hetvia rules Count Dakkar, a benevolent leader and scientist who has eliminated class distinction among the island's inhabitants. Dakkar, his daughter Sonia and her fiance, engineer Nicolai Roget have designed a submarine which Roget pilots on its initial voyage just before the island is overrun by Baron Falon, despotic ruler of Hetvia. Falon sets out after Roget in a second submarine and the two craft, diving to the ocean's floor, discover a strange land populated by dragons, giant squid and an eerie undiscovered humanoid race."
"On a volcanic island near the kingdom of Hetvia rules Count Dakkar, a benevolent leader and scientist who has eliminated class distinction among the island's inhabitants. Dakkar, his daughter Sonia and her fiance, engineer Nicolai Roget have designed a submarine which Roget pilots on its initial voyage just before the island is overrun by Baron Falon, despotic ruler of Hetvia. Falon sets out after Roget in a second submarine and the two craft, diving to the ocean's floor, discover a strange land populated by dragons, giant squid and an eerie undiscovered humanoid race."
A star is born! On this day in 1951 (in the United Kingdom), When Worlds Collide enjoyed its silver screen theatrical premiere. Directed by Rudolph Mate and produced by the legendary George Pal, the SciFi/Drama starred Richard Derr, Barbara Rush, and Peter Hansen; and here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"As a new star and planet hurtle toward a doomed Earth, a small group of survivalists frantically work to complete the rocket which will take them to their new home."
For the record:
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2024, I received an all-new home video release of When Worlds Collide (1951) from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
"As a new star and planet hurtle toward a doomed Earth, a small group of survivalists frantically work to complete the rocket which will take them to their new home."
For the record:
- Without a doubt, When Worlds Collide remains one of the best regarded films of the 1950's, a period when Science Fiction films were truly introduced as part of the Hollywood studio process. It's been said that this film was somewhat rushed into production based on the success of Pal's earlier Destination Moon (1950).
- At the 1952 Oscars Awards, When Worlds Collide took home the trophy for 'Best Effects, Special Effects.' It was also nominated for (but loss) the award for 'Best Cinematography, Color.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2024, I received an all-new home video release of When Worlds Collide (1951) from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
On this day in 1958 (in Finland), Doroga K Zvezdam opened in theatres. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the film's plot summary:
"A groundbreaking popular science fiction film about the past and future of astronautics, from the first experiments by Konstantin Tsiolkovsky to the manned spaceflight and colonization of the Moon."
"A groundbreaking popular science fiction film about the past and future of astronautics, from the first experiments by Konstantin Tsiolkovsky to the manned spaceflight and colonization of the Moon."
On this day in 1977 in the great city of San Francisco, California, the Adult-themed SciFi romp Cinderella 2000 enjoyed its theatrical premiere. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the premise:
"In the year 2047, sex is forbidden and Big Brother uses robots to keep on eye on everyone. One young girl tries to outwit the government so she can be with the man she loves."
"In the year 2047, sex is forbidden and Big Brother uses robots to keep on eye on everyone. One young girl tries to outwit the government so she can be with the man she loves."
A star is born! On this day in 1978, The Clone Master made audiences believe they were seeing more than double. The feature starred Art Hindle and Robyn Douglass, and here's the plot summary as written on IMDB.com:
"In order to test the validity of his experiments on cloning, a scientist makes clones of himself, but it causes problems that he didn't foresee."
"In order to test the validity of his experiments on cloning, a scientist makes clones of himself, but it causes problems that he didn't foresee."
On this day in 1984, The Brother From Another Planet enjoyed its full U.S. theatrical release. Written and directed by John Sayles, the SciFi/Comedy starred Joe Morton, Daryl Edwards, and Rosanna Carter. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A mute alien with the appearance of a black human is chased by outer-space bounty hunters through the streets of Harlem."
"A mute alien with the appearance of a black human is chased by outer-space bounty hunters through the streets of Harlem."
On this day in 1985 (in Taiwan), The Philadelpha Experiment sent audiences on a trip through time. Directed by Stewart Raffill, the SciFi/Thriller starred Michael Kevin Paré, Nancy Allen, and Eric Christmas. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A United States Navy destroyer escort participates in a Navy "invisibility" experiment that inadvertently sends two sailors forty years into the future."
For the record:
Along with the film receiving a bit of praise from the film festival circuit, Nancy Allen enjoyed a 1985 Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best Actress.'
"A United States Navy destroyer escort participates in a Navy "invisibility" experiment that inadvertently sends two sailors forty years into the future."
For the record:
Along with the film receiving a bit of praise from the film festival circuit, Nancy Allen enjoyed a 1985 Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best Actress.'
On this day in 1985 (in the Philippines), Trancers brought a bit of noir to the world of Science Fiction and Fantasy. Directed by the great Charles Band from a script by Danny Bilson and Paul De Meo, the film starred Tim Thomerson, Helen Hunt, and Michael Stefani. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A gruff bounty hunter travels back in time to 1980s Los Angeles to stop a twisted criminal who can transform people into zombie-like creatures."
"A gruff bounty hunter travels back in time to 1980s Los Angeles to stop a twisted criminal who can transform people into zombie-like creatures."
On this day in 1988 (in Spain), The Curse delivered chills in SciFi fashion. The feature starred Wil Wheaton and Claude Akins, and here's the premise that's provided by IMDB.com:
"When a meteorite lands near his family farm during a storm in Tennessee, the son of a struggling farmer believes it's connected to strange plague-like events afflicting the crops, the farm animals and even the family themeselves."
"When a meteorite lands near his family farm during a storm in Tennessee, the son of a struggling farmer believes it's connected to strange plague-like events afflicting the crops, the farm animals and even the family themeselves."
A star is born! I didn't get to catch Hardware when it premiered theatrically on this day back in 1990; seems to me it was billed as an artsy sci-fi flick, so I don't recall it playing at any movie house in my area. I did see it when it came out on home video, and -- despite its heavy political messaging -- I enjoyed it quite a bit. Written (in part) and directed by Richard Stanley, the film starred Stacey Travis, Dylan McDermott, and John Lynch. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The head of a cyborg reactivates and rebuilds itself and goes on a violent rampage in a space marine's girlfriend's apartment."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Hardware enjoyed a bit of praise while playing on the film festival circuit.
"The head of a cyborg reactivates and rebuilds itself and goes on a violent rampage in a space marine's girlfriend's apartment."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Hardware enjoyed a bit of praise while playing on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 1990 (in Poland), RoboCop 2 went back into the business of fighting crime. The feature starred Peter Weller and Nancy Allen, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Cyborg law enforcer RoboCop returns to protect the citizens of old Detroit but faces a deadly challenge when a rogue OCP member secretly creates a new, evil RoboCop 2."
"Cyborg law enforcer RoboCop returns to protect the citizens of old Detroit but faces a deadly challenge when a rogue OCP member secretly creates a new, evil RoboCop 2."
A star is born! On this day in 1991 (in Japan), 964 Pinocchio (aka Screams Of Blasphemy) enjoyed its big screen debut. Written (in part) and directed by Shozin Fukui, the SciFi/Horror starred Haji Suzuki, Onn-chan, and Kôji Ôtsubo; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Pinocchio 964, lobotomised cyborg sex slave, is thrown out onto the street by his owners because of his inability to maintain an erection. He is befriended by a criminally insane, memory-wiped, homeless girl. Meanwhile, the corporate entity who manufactured and sold him plots to kill him because of his malfunction."
"Pinocchio 964, lobotomised cyborg sex slave, is thrown out onto the street by his owners because of his inability to maintain an erection. He is befriended by a criminally insane, memory-wiped, homeless girl. Meanwhile, the corporate entity who manufactured and sold him plots to kill him because of his malfunction."
On this day in 1994, Cyber Tracker sprang to big, bold, B-Movie life. (Again, this is one of those that I've never seen.) According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Eric is a secret agent currently working as security guard for senator Dilly. The senator is the main advocate for a new kind of police officer: the Tracker, an perfect und nearly unvulnerable android. When Eric realizes that senator Dilly is playing dirty games, he does not only have Dilly's security chief Ross after him, but also those nearly undefeatable Trackers."
"Eric is a secret agent currently working as security guard for senator Dilly. The senator is the main advocate for a new kind of police officer: the Tracker, an perfect und nearly unvulnerable android. When Eric realizes that senator Dilly is playing dirty games, he does not only have Dilly's security chief Ross after him, but also those nearly undefeatable Trackers."
A star is born! On this day in 1995 (in Japan), Alien Terminator showed a little life with its release on home video. Written (in part) and directed by Dave Payne, the SciFi/Thriller starred Maria Ford, Rodger Halston, and Emile B. Levisetti. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Five miles below the Earth's surface, a group of scientists is working in self-imposed isolation, perfecting a series of DNA experiments that could literally change the world. But when one of those experiments goes awry, it unleashes a nearly immortal organism--one capable of instant regeneration, and with an insatiable appetite for living flesh. Soon, nothing can contain the creature, and with the lab's life support systems quickly shutting down, the scientists grimly prepare for their final battle..."
"Five miles below the Earth's surface, a group of scientists is working in self-imposed isolation, perfecting a series of DNA experiments that could literally change the world. But when one of those experiments goes awry, it unleashes a nearly immortal organism--one capable of instant regeneration, and with an insatiable appetite for living flesh. Soon, nothing can contain the creature, and with the lab's life support systems quickly shutting down, the scientists grimly prepare for their final battle..."
A star is born! On this day in 1996 (in the U.S.), Humanoids From The Deep surfaced for their premiere on broadcast television. (How polite of them!) Written (in part) and directed by Jeff Yonis, the Fantasy/Horror starred Emma Samms, Robert Carradine, and Justin Walker. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"While a town is in a state of alert, the monster of the sea keeps mutating the townspeople at an alarming rate. A researcher finds a genetic disorder that has been caused by a chemical that has been dumped into the water that has caused the creature to have an alarming appetite."
For the record:
Purists would want you to know that this Humanoids From The Deep is a remake of the 1980 film (of the same name). My understanding is that the -- ahem -- sex and nudity has been dramatically toned down from that original; from what I recall, those monsters were a bit 'randy' with the women of the day.
"While a town is in a state of alert, the monster of the sea keeps mutating the townspeople at an alarming rate. A researcher finds a genetic disorder that has been caused by a chemical that has been dumped into the water that has caused the creature to have an alarming appetite."
For the record:
Purists would want you to know that this Humanoids From The Deep is a remake of the 1980 film (of the same name). My understanding is that the -- ahem -- sex and nudity has been dramatically toned down from that original; from what I recall, those monsters were a bit 'randy' with the women of the day.
A star is born! On this day in 1996, the SciFi film Specimen enjoyed its day in the sun. The feature starred Mark-Paul Gosselaar and Douglas O'Keeffe, and here's the plot summary as listed on IMDB.com:
"After his grandmother's death, 24-year-old Mike Hillary sets off in search of who he thinks is his real father. Little does he suspect the real scenario: his late mother was impregnated by aliens, and now they've sent someone down to bring back their "specimen"--dead or alive."
"After his grandmother's death, 24-year-old Mike Hillary sets off in search of who he thinks is his real father. Little does he suspect the real scenario: his late mother was impregnated by aliens, and now they've sent someone down to bring back their "specimen"--dead or alive."
On this day in 2000 (in Switzerland and Israel), the delicate mystery at the heart of the Cube was screened for audiences. Written (in part) and directed by Vincenzo Natali, the feature starred Nicole de Boer, Nicky Guadagni, and David Hewlett; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Six different people, each from a very different walk of life, awaken to find themselves inside a giant cube with thousands of possible rooms. Each has a skill that becomes clear when they must band together to get out: a cop, a math whiz, a building designer, a doctor, an escape master, and a disabled man. Each plays a part in their thrilling quest to find answers as to why they've been imprisoned."
For the record:
Cube was a bit of a sensation both on the film festival circuit as well as within the general awards arena. In 1999, it enjoyed a nomination from the Saturn Awards in the category of 'Best Home Video Release.' At the 1999 Fantasporto Film Festival, the film was awarded the Jury Prize as well as top honors in the categories of 'Best Special Effects' and 'Best Film.' Lastly, the Genie Awards -- which recognizes excellence in Canadian film and TV production -- blessed the flick with an incredible five nominations (but no wins) largely in technical categories.
"Six different people, each from a very different walk of life, awaken to find themselves inside a giant cube with thousands of possible rooms. Each has a skill that becomes clear when they must band together to get out: a cop, a math whiz, a building designer, a doctor, an escape master, and a disabled man. Each plays a part in their thrilling quest to find answers as to why they've been imprisoned."
For the record:
Cube was a bit of a sensation both on the film festival circuit as well as within the general awards arena. In 1999, it enjoyed a nomination from the Saturn Awards in the category of 'Best Home Video Release.' At the 1999 Fantasporto Film Festival, the film was awarded the Jury Prize as well as top honors in the categories of 'Best Special Effects' and 'Best Film.' Lastly, the Genie Awards -- which recognizes excellence in Canadian film and TV production -- blessed the flick with an incredible five nominations (but no wins) largely in technical categories.
On this day in 2004 (in Mexico), the 1971-produced THX 1138 enjoyed a release on home video. Written (in part) and directed by George Lucas, the SciFi/Drama starred Robert Duvall, Donald Pleasence, and Don Pedro Colley. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In the 25th century, a time when people have designations instead of names, a man, THX 1138, and a woman, LUH 3417, rebel against their rigidly-controlled society."
For the record:
I recently had the good fortune of viewing the Director's Cut of the film; and, of course, I found it very interesting. (Previous to that, I'd only seen sections of the film, not the whole release.) And it was nominated for the 1972 'Best Dramatic Presentation' Hugo Award.
"In the 25th century, a time when people have designations instead of names, a man, THX 1138, and a woman, LUH 3417, rebel against their rigidly-controlled society."
For the record:
I recently had the good fortune of viewing the Director's Cut of the film; and, of course, I found it very interesting. (Previous to that, I'd only seen sections of the film, not the whole release.) And it was nominated for the 1972 'Best Dramatic Presentation' Hugo Award.
On this day in 2006 (in Germany), the 1932-produced White Zombie enjoyed a release on home video. Directed by Victor Halperin, the Fantasy/Horror starred Bela Lugosi, Madge Bellamy, and Joseph Cawthron; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A young man turns to a witch doctor to lure the woman he loves away from her fiancé, but instead turns her into a zombie slave."
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2021, White Zombie made the broadcast rounds on Turner Classic Movies, and I had the good fortune of watching it for review purposes. Want to know more? My thoughts can be found right here.
"A young man turns to a witch doctor to lure the woman he loves away from her fiancé, but instead turns her into a zombie slave."
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2021, White Zombie made the broadcast rounds on Turner Classic Movies, and I had the good fortune of watching it for review purposes. Want to know more? My thoughts can be found right here.
On this day in 2007 (in Spain), The Dark Hour enjoyed its theatrical release. The SciFi/Horror starred Omar Muñoz and Pepo Oliva, and here's the plot summary via IMDB.com:
"The eight year old boy Jesús has been living in a crumbling underground facility since he was born with eight survivors of an apocalyptic war: the leader Maria and her lover Pablo; the gays Lucas and Mateo; the astronomer Magdalena and the teenager Ana; the soldier Pedro and the lonely Judas. They are permanently under surveillance, threatened by the contaminated mutants The Strangers and once a day they have to lock themselves in their rooms without heating to protect against the dangerous ghosts The Invisibles that attack in the Cold Hour. They cannot go to the surface, destroyed by a nuclear war. When they need supplies, medications and ammunition, they organize expeditions to a store. When the menace of The Invisibles affects the safety of the group of survivors, they need to reach the surface."
"The eight year old boy Jesús has been living in a crumbling underground facility since he was born with eight survivors of an apocalyptic war: the leader Maria and her lover Pablo; the gays Lucas and Mateo; the astronomer Magdalena and the teenager Ana; the soldier Pedro and the lonely Judas. They are permanently under surveillance, threatened by the contaminated mutants The Strangers and once a day they have to lock themselves in their rooms without heating to protect against the dangerous ghosts The Invisibles that attack in the Cold Hour. They cannot go to the surface, destroyed by a nuclear war. When they need supplies, medications and ammunition, they organize expeditions to a store. When the menace of The Invisibles affects the safety of the group of survivors, they need to reach the surface."
A star is born! On this day in 2013, the SciFi/Telefilm Robocroc emerged from the murky depths. The feature starred Corin Nemec and Lisa McAllister, and here's the plot summary via our friends at IMDB.com:
"A rocket carrying nano robots crash lands shortly after takeoff into a zoo. The bots are released and find their way into a massive crocodile. The croc, now programmed to kill, will target anything and anyone for its next meal."
"A rocket carrying nano robots crash lands shortly after takeoff into a zoo. The bots are released and find their way into a massive crocodile. The croc, now programmed to kill, will target anything and anyone for its next meal."
A star is born! On this day in 2014 (in Canada), Dawn Of Destruction lumbered onto the silver screen. Written and directed by Neil Johnson, the SciFi feature starred Brooke Lewis Bellas, Maria Luna, and Tracey Birdsall; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The sequel to Alien Dawn: Dawn of Destruction, follows the plight of the resistance as the fight against the scourge of the Martians. based on H.G. Wells' The War of the World."
"The sequel to Alien Dawn: Dawn of Destruction, follows the plight of the resistance as the fight against the scourge of the Martians. based on H.G. Wells' The War of the World."
On this day in 2015 (in the United Kingdom), Dominion (aka Dominion: The Last Star Warrior) enjoyed its premiere. The feature starred Barry Lynch and Travis Hammer, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"In just FIVE days the world we know will change forever with devastating results. Jaelen an observer from another planet searches to find and rescue the human woman he fell in love with before it all happens. Robert Casey a retired US Intelligence agent turned UFO investigator races to discover what the yet to be known DOMINION has in store for the Human race."
"In just FIVE days the world we know will change forever with devastating results. Jaelen an observer from another planet searches to find and rescue the human woman he fell in love with before it all happens. Robert Casey a retired US Intelligence agent turned UFO investigator races to discover what the yet to be known DOMINION has in store for the Human race."
On this day in 2015, a SciFi/Horror hybrid -- The Hive -- made its mark on audiences. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's what all the fuss was about:
"A young man suffering from amnesia must dig deep into the far reaches of his mind to remember who he is and save the love of his life before a virus that has infected him takes over."
"A young man suffering from amnesia must dig deep into the far reaches of his mind to remember who he is and save the love of his life before a virus that has infected him takes over."
A star is born ... and it's packing heat! On this day in 2016 (in France), Officer Downe first reported for duty -- cinematically, of course -- when it screened for audiences in attendance of the L'Étrange Festival (translation: The Strange Festival) in Paris. This adaptation of the graphic novel was directed by Shawn Crahan and starred Kim Coates, Tyler Ross, and Meadow Williams. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Based on the Man of Action/Image Comics original graphic novel created by Joe Casey and Chris Burnham, written by Joe Casey, about a police officer who can't be stopped by death so he returns to the streets time and time again to fight crime."
"Based on the Man of Action/Image Comics original graphic novel created by Joe Casey and Chris Burnham, written by Joe Casey, about a police officer who can't be stopped by death so he returns to the streets time and time again to fight crime."
In attempting to build up the excitement for the return to the greater universe of Blade Runner, producers decided to produce a series of short films to screen via the World Wide Web. One of these -- 2048: Nowhere To Run -- starred Dave Bautista (FYI: he has a small role in the opening segment of Blade Runner 2048) examines the character through his particular set of dire circumstances that gets 'resolved' in the film. It was originally released on the web on this day in 2017.
On this day in 1951 (in the U.S.), Tales Of Tomorrow aired "The Monsters." Officially, this served as the seventh episode of the program's first season, and -- despite searching -- I've been unable to locate an effective plot summary on the world wide web. In lieu of that, here's the series' premise from IMDB.com:
""Tales of Tomorrow" was a television anthology science fiction series that was aired live between 3 August 1951 - 12 June 1953 and produced by George F. Foley. The show's success, lead to the production of a radio series in 1953 "Tales of Tomorrow". "Tales of Tomorrow" was developed by Theodore Sturgeon and Mort Abrahamson, together with the membership of the "Science Fiction League of America"."
""Tales of Tomorrow" was a television anthology science fiction series that was aired live between 3 August 1951 - 12 June 1953 and produced by George F. Foley. The show's success, lead to the production of a radio series in 1953 "Tales of Tomorrow". "Tales of Tomorrow" was developed by Theodore Sturgeon and Mort Abrahamson, together with the membership of the "Science Fiction League of America"."
On this day in 1956 (in the U.S.), Science Fiction Theatre aired "Brain Unlimited." Officially, this served as the twenty-second episode in the program's second (and final) season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Before blacking out on a test flight during an experiment under increased oxygen storage, a scientist experiences a sudden increase in his brain activity, which he determines to investigate further."
"Before blacking out on a test flight during an experiment under increased oxygen storage, a scientist experiences a sudden increase in his brain activity, which he determines to investigate further."
It all came down to this ...
On this day in 1960 (in the U.S.), TV's Men Into Space aired "Flight To The Red Planet." Officially, this served as the thirty-eighth episode in the program's only season -- its series' finale -- and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The first mission to Mars is nearing the red planet when a series of accidents and break downs put the mission in doubt. The crew must balance the need for caution and safety against the massive amount of scientific data that could be gained on such an expedition."
On this day in 1960 (in the U.S.), TV's Men Into Space aired "Flight To The Red Planet." Officially, this served as the thirty-eighth episode in the program's only season -- its series' finale -- and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The first mission to Mars is nearing the red planet when a series of accidents and break downs put the mission in doubt. The crew must balance the need for caution and safety against the massive amount of scientific data that could be gained on such an expedition."
It all began right here ...
On this day in 1965 (in the U.S.), home audiences were thrilled beyond belief with the premiere of My Mother The Car. The first episode was titled "Come Honk Your Horn," and here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"While perusing the local car lot, Dave Crabtree discovers his mother's been reincarnated as a junkie old car, so he buys her and brings her home, much to the dismay of both his wife and eccentric car collector Captain Manzini."
On this day in 1965 (in the U.S.), home audiences were thrilled beyond belief with the premiere of My Mother The Car. The first episode was titled "Come Honk Your Horn," and here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"While perusing the local car lot, Dave Crabtree discovers his mother's been reincarnated as a junkie old car, so he buys her and brings her home, much to the dismay of both his wife and eccentric car collector Captain Manzini."
On this day in 1966 (in the U.S.), Lost In Space aired "Blast Off Into Space." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's second season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A space miner is blasting the planet apart and the Robinsons have to leave even though Smith wants to stay and become rich."
"A space miner is blasting the planet apart and the Robinsons have to leave even though Smith wants to stay and become rich."
On this day in 1968 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Mind Robber: Part 1." Officially, this served as the sixth episode of the program's sixth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The TARDIS arrives in a white void, when the TARDIS makes a emergency take-off to escape the volcanic eruption on Dulkis. Where the Doctor, Jamie and Zoe find themselves in the Land of Fiction, where fictional characters from the imagination come to life and The Master, the mysterious ruler of The Land of Fiction chooses the Doctor to take his place."
"The TARDIS arrives in a white void, when the TARDIS makes a emergency take-off to escape the volcanic eruption on Dulkis. Where the Doctor, Jamie and Zoe find themselves in the Land of Fiction, where fictional characters from the imagination come to life and The Master, the mysterious ruler of The Land of Fiction chooses the Doctor to take his place."
It all began right here ...
On this day in 1973 (in the U.S.), The Girl With Something Extra delivered a girl with something extra to television. Officially, the pilot episode was titled "Sally On My Mind," and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"While on his wedding night, John Burton finds out new bride Sally can read his mind."
On this day in 1973 (in the U.S.), The Girl With Something Extra delivered a girl with something extra to television. Officially, the pilot episode was titled "Sally On My Mind," and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"While on his wedding night, John Burton finds out new bride Sally can read his mind."
On this day in 1974 (in the U.S.), Land of the Lost aired "The Sleestak God." Officially, this served as the second episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"While searching the Lost City, Will and Holly are captured by lizard-men which are known as Sleestak."
"While searching the Lost City, Will and Holly are captured by lizard-men which are known as Sleestak."
On this day in 1974 (in the U.S.), Partridge Family 2200 A.D. aired "If This Is Texas -- It Must Be Doomsday." Officially, this served as the second episode of the program's only season, and here's the summary from the Partridge Family 2200 A.D. online website:
"The Partridges' show in Texxas is a lifetime engagement, according to Texx Comet, owner, Mayor, sheriff, and cattle-rustler of the island, "Texxas". The family manages to escape only after their musical talents takes a purposeful decline into wails and screeches, and Texx evicts them."
"The Partridges' show in Texxas is a lifetime engagement, according to Texx Comet, owner, Mayor, sheriff, and cattle-rustler of the island, "Texxas". The family manages to escape only after their musical talents takes a purposeful decline into wails and screeches, and Texx evicts them."
On this day in 1974 (in the U.S.), Star Trek: The Animated Series aired "Bem." 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 Enterprise crew is being observed as their suitability to meet with advanced civilizations."
"The Enterprise crew is being observed as their suitability to meet with advanced civilizations."
On this day in 1975 (in the U.S.), The Six Million Dollar Man aired "The Return Of The Bionic Woman: Part 1." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's third season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Steve Austin's bionic legs are heavily damaged during a mission and while recuperating at Dr. Rudy Wells' hospital, he catches a glimpse of his fiancée, Jaime Sommers, still alive but recuperating. It turns out Well's assistant Michael Marchetti used experimental cryogenics to preserve Sommers and nurse her back to health. However, owing to some slight brain damage, Jaime no longer remembers anything about her past life."
"Steve Austin's bionic legs are heavily damaged during a mission and while recuperating at Dr. Rudy Wells' hospital, he catches a glimpse of his fiancée, Jaime Sommers, still alive but recuperating. It turns out Well's assistant Michael Marchetti used experimental cryogenics to preserve Sommers and nurse her back to health. However, owing to some slight brain damage, Jaime no longer remembers anything about her past life."
On this day in 1985 (in the United Kingdom), The Tripods aired "Travel." Officially, this served as the second episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"On their way to The Games, via river barge, a suspected plague on board threatens the mission of the boys. Will runs into trouble searching for the captain while ashore."
"On their way to The Games, via river barge, a suspected plague on board threatens the mission of the boys. Will runs into trouble searching for the captain while ashore."
It all began right here ...
On this day in 1986 (in the U.S.), The Adventures of the Galaxy Rangers premiered on television. The first episode was titled "Phoenix," and here's the plot summary as detailed on IMDB.com:
"Galaxy Ranger Zackery Foxx's new assignment is to be the Marshall for planet Kirwin. While en route, he and his family are high jacked. Zackery was able to escape though injured follows the criminals. His family is soon captured by the Queen of the Crown, who has a way of utilizing all her captives. Zackery returns to Earth to mend. Realizing the dangers of space, the government selects 4 unique individual with unique abilities to handle the new frontier."
On this day in 1986 (in the U.S.), The Adventures of the Galaxy Rangers premiered on television. The first episode was titled "Phoenix," and here's the plot summary as detailed on IMDB.com:
"Galaxy Ranger Zackery Foxx's new assignment is to be the Marshall for planet Kirwin. While en route, he and his family are high jacked. Zackery was able to escape though injured follows the criminals. His family is soon captured by the Queen of the Crown, who has a way of utilizing all her captives. Zackery returns to Earth to mend. Realizing the dangers of space, the government selects 4 unique individual with unique abilities to handle the new frontier."
On this day in 1987 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "Time and the Rani: Part 2." Officially, this served as the second episode of the program's twenty-fourth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The Rani's deviousness inadvertently sets the Doctor and Mel against each other - she having yet seen the Doctor in his new regeneration, he believing Mel is the Rani disguised, and each thinking the other is an agent of utmost evil to be brought down. Two unanswered questions linger: Why has the Rani collected geniuses, and why is she messing around with "strange matter.""
"The Rani's deviousness inadvertently sets the Doctor and Mel against each other - she having yet seen the Doctor in his new regeneration, he believing Mel is the Rani disguised, and each thinking the other is an agent of utmost evil to be brought down. Two unanswered questions linger: Why has the Rani collected geniuses, and why is she messing around with "strange matter.""
It all began right here ...
On this day in 1990 (in the U.S.), Maniac Mansion enjoyed its small screen debut. Officially, this first episode was titled "The 10th Anniversary Special," and here's the plot summary as provided by Trakt.TV:
"Fred falls asleep in the lab and dreams that his family is starring in a sitcom celebrating its 10th anniversary. Plans for an anniversary dinner at the Taiwan On go awry because they're spraying for medflies in the area, so they watch home movies and flash back to Turner and Harry's accident and to the time Casey first had Fred's parents over for dinner. Turner runs up to his room, crying, because he thinks the family is laughing at him rather than with him. Fred talks to Turner and convinces him to rejoin the family in the living room. The show ends with Casey waking Fred up."
On this day in 1990 (in the U.S.), Maniac Mansion enjoyed its small screen debut. Officially, this first episode was titled "The 10th Anniversary Special," and here's the plot summary as provided by Trakt.TV:
"Fred falls asleep in the lab and dreams that his family is starring in a sitcom celebrating its 10th anniversary. Plans for an anniversary dinner at the Taiwan On go awry because they're spraying for medflies in the area, so they watch home movies and flash back to Turner and Harry's accident and to the time Casey first had Fred's parents over for dinner. Turner runs up to his room, crying, because he thinks the family is laughing at him rather than with him. Fred talks to Turner and convinces him to rejoin the family in the living room. The show ends with Casey waking Fred up."
On this day in 1990 (in West Germany), Star Trek: The Next Generation aired "Encounter At Farpoint: Part 2." Officially, this served as the first episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"On the maiden mission of the U.S.S. Enterprise (NCC-1701-D), an omnipotent being known as Q challenges the crew to discover the secret of a mysterious base in an advanced and civilized fashion."
"On the maiden mission of the U.S.S. Enterprise (NCC-1701-D), an omnipotent being known as Q challenges the crew to discover the secret of a mysterious base in an advanced and civilized fashion."
It all began right here ...
On this day in 1991 (in the U.S.), the animated incarnation of Back To The Future aired its first episode ever, and it was titled "Brothers." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After Verne's image suddenly appears in an old Civil War photograph Marty, Doc, and Jules travel back in time to the Civil War to rescue him. But they quickly find themselves right in the middle of the war. As the Yanks and Rebels square off for a big battle."
On this day in 1991 (in the U.S.), the animated incarnation of Back To The Future aired its first episode ever, and it was titled "Brothers." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After Verne's image suddenly appears in an old Civil War photograph Marty, Doc, and Jules travel back in time to the Civil War to rescue him. But they quickly find themselves right in the middle of the war. As the Yanks and Rebels square off for a big battle."
On this day in 1995 (in Canada), Mysterious Island aired "First Impressions Are Skin Deep." Officially, this served as the fourteenth episode in the program's only season of original broadcast existence; and here's the plot summary as provided by Digiguide.TV:
"When a native man arrives on the island, he tells the castaways that he is on a spiritual quest."
"When a native man arrives on the island, he tells the castaways that he is on a spiritual quest."
On this day in 1996 (in Australia), Ocean Girl aired "A Super-Sportsman." Officially, this served as the seventh episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Neri goes to ORCA to see how Jason and Brett are going with their search for the Synchronium. Dianne takes the opportunity to ask her to help Winston with his dive test which she agrees to do."
"Neri goes to ORCA to see how Jason and Brett are going with their search for the Synchronium. Dianne takes the opportunity to ask her to help Winston with his dive test which she agrees to do."
On this day in 1996 (in the U.S.), Superman: The Animated Series aired "A Little Piece Of Home." Officially, this served as the fifth episode in the program's first season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Lex Luthor learns that Superman is vulnerable to kryptonite and attempts to use it to kill Superman."
"Lex Luthor learns that Superman is vulnerable to kryptonite and attempts to use it to kill Superman."
On this day in 1998 (in the United Kingdom), Space Island One aired "Lost Property." Officially, this served as the fifth episode in the program's second (and final) season; and here's the plot summary The TV DB.com:
"A shuttle hit by a meteor crashes into Unity. While crew of Unity have the grim job of recovering the corpses and their personal effects from the shuttle, strange and unexplained events begin happening around the space station."
"A shuttle hit by a meteor crashes into Unity. While crew of Unity have the grim job of recovering the corpses and their personal effects from the shuttle, strange and unexplained events begin happening around the space station."
On this day in 1998 (in Canada), Welcome To Paradox aired "The Girl Who Was Plugged In." Officially, this served as the fifth episode in the program's only season in broadcast existence; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A shabby street urchin is used by heartless advertising wizards to clone their latest superstar ad girl - the one everybody wants to be like. Only being like her will also get you her problems, including a swift and sudden end."
"A shabby street urchin is used by heartless advertising wizards to clone their latest superstar ad girl - the one everybody wants to be like. Only being like her will also get you her problems, including a swift and sudden end."
On this day in 1999 (in Canada), My Best Friend Is An Alien aired "Alien Dustbuster Bedlam!" Officially, this served as the eleventh episode in the program's first season. Here's the plot summary as provided by the episode listing on YouTube.com:
"When Pleskit runs for class president with Tim as his running mate, the two friends find their nerd status is affected by a dustbuster that emits “popularity rays”."
"When Pleskit runs for class president with Tim as his running mate, the two friends find their nerd status is affected by a dustbuster that emits “popularity rays”."
On this day in 2000 (in Canada), So Weird aired "Detention." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's third season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After breaking a minor rule, Annie and Jack are sent to permanent detention thanks to a pair of strange watches. While in detention, they are also forced to perform a series of extremely hard tasks."
"After breaking a minor rule, Annie and Jack are sent to permanent detention thanks to a pair of strange watches. While in detention, they are also forced to perform a series of extremely hard tasks."
On this day in 2001 (in the U.S.), Lexx aired "Fluff Daddy." Officially, this served as the ninth episode in the program's fourth (and final) season. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Stan becomes the boss of the adult entertainment operation that Lyekka works for to get closer to her. She purposely brings Stan to sexual ecstasy causing the key to the Lexx to leave his body and pass into her."
"Stan becomes the boss of the adult entertainment operation that Lyekka works for to get closer to her. She purposely brings Stan to sexual ecstasy causing the key to the Lexx to leave his body and pass into her."
On this day in 2001 (in the U.S.), The Invisible Man aired "The Three Phases Of Claire." Officially, this served as the sixteenth episode in the program's second season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A person with a knack for selling secrets captures Claire, and injects her with a truth serum. It makes it impossible for her to keep quiet, or lie. She reveals several secrets, including the I-Man project. The truth serum will eventually kill Claire, Darrien and Hobbes race to find her."
"A person with a knack for selling secrets captures Claire, and injects her with a truth serum. It makes it impossible for her to keep quiet, or lie. She reveals several secrets, including the I-Man project. The truth serum will eventually kill Claire, Darrien and Hobbes race to find her."
On this day in 2007 (in the U.S.), Painkiller Jane aired "Reflections." Officially, this served as the twenty-first episode in the program's only season of original broadcast existence; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"While maintaining a watchful Eye over NICO (the Neuro hospital/prison) Andre McBride runs into a beautiful and fragile woman he once knew, Sarah Rogers (Ada Tai). Her Neuro skill was that she could pass through solid objects like walls, and, with this skill, could also kill people by removing things like 'brains' directly out of people's heads. However, Sarah is a docile and gentle woman, accepting of her fate and has forgiven Andre for chipping her. Andre begins to once again have feelings for this woman, just like he did before, however, a series of attacks and murders occur, and the initial suspect is Sarah, since she can be seen on the surveillance cameras. But Andre refuses to believe that Sarah can be responsible, despite Sarah's vivid nightmares of those same attacks. Both Connor and Jane become concerned with Andre's judgment during this crisis."
"While maintaining a watchful Eye over NICO (the Neuro hospital/prison) Andre McBride runs into a beautiful and fragile woman he once knew, Sarah Rogers (Ada Tai). Her Neuro skill was that she could pass through solid objects like walls, and, with this skill, could also kill people by removing things like 'brains' directly out of people's heads. However, Sarah is a docile and gentle woman, accepting of her fate and has forgiven Andre for chipping her. Andre begins to once again have feelings for this woman, just like he did before, however, a series of attacks and murders occur, and the initial suspect is Sarah, since she can be seen on the surveillance cameras. But Andre refuses to believe that Sarah can be responsible, despite Sarah's vivid nightmares of those same attacks. Both Connor and Jane become concerned with Andre's judgment during this crisis."
On this day in 2012 (in the U.S.), Fox TV's Touch aired "The Road Not Taken." Officially, this served as the thirteenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the (edited) plot summary that's been provided via IMDB.com:
"In their escape from New York, Martin and Jake pass through Martin's old stomping grounds of the Willamette Valley in Oregon. Although he has no intention of stopping in his old home town of McMinnville, Martin is forced to stop and stay because of car problems in part initiated by Jake. Old memories die hard as a story that he wrote at the beginning of his reporting career twenty years ago created some hard feelings amongst the townsfolk, many who do not welcome him back. One person who does welcome him is Henry Williams, the editor of the local newspaper and Martin's mentor who sees Martin's time at the newspaper as its glory years. Someone who provides a more reserved welcome is Martin's old girlfriend, Beth Cooper née Young, who now works for Henry. Shortly after Martin's arrival, Henry goes missing with evidence pointing to someone trying to kill him."
"In their escape from New York, Martin and Jake pass through Martin's old stomping grounds of the Willamette Valley in Oregon. Although he has no intention of stopping in his old home town of McMinnville, Martin is forced to stop and stay because of car problems in part initiated by Jake. Old memories die hard as a story that he wrote at the beginning of his reporting career twenty years ago created some hard feelings amongst the townsfolk, many who do not welcome him back. One person who does welcome him is Henry Williams, the editor of the local newspaper and Martin's mentor who sees Martin's time at the newspaper as its glory years. Someone who provides a more reserved welcome is Martin's old girlfriend, Beth Cooper née Young, who now works for Henry. Shortly after Martin's arrival, Henry goes missing with evidence pointing to someone trying to kill him."
On this day in 2014 (in the U.S.), The Lottery aired "Truth Be Told." This served as the eighth episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"Alison follows up on the evidence that James uncovered; Vanessa uncovers Darius' plan."
"Alison follows up on the evidence that James uncovered; Vanessa uncovers Darius' plan."
On this day in 2014 (in the U.S.), The Strain aired "Loved Ones." Officially, this served as the tenth episode in the program's first season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Eph investigates Kelly's disappearance and struggles with what he finds. Dutch pursues a plan to retaliate against Palmer, and Fitzwilliam makes a surprising choice."
"Eph investigates Kelly's disappearance and struggles with what he finds. Dutch pursues a plan to retaliate against Palmer, and Fitzwilliam makes a surprising choice."
On this day in 2017 (in the U.S.), Zoo aired "West Side Story." Officially, this served as the twelfth episode of the program's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After the team's plane suffers a catastrophic accident in the hybrid zone, Dariela and Tess set out on a rescue mission to save them."
"After the team's plane suffers a catastrophic accident in the hybrid zone, Dariela and Tess set out on a rescue mission to save them."
It all began right here ...
On this day in 2018 (in the U.S.), Vampire: The Masquerade - L.A. By Night aired "Mortal Stakes." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's first season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When a trio of vampires investigate a violation of their territory, they discover Annabelle, a fledgling vampire so new to the night that she cannot survive on her own."
On this day in 2018 (in the U.S.), Vampire: The Masquerade - L.A. By Night aired "Mortal Stakes." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's first season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When a trio of vampires investigate a violation of their territory, they discover Annabelle, a fledgling vampire so new to the night that she cannot survive on her own."
There it is: the book that launched a phenomenon in Young Adult movies! On this day in 2008, Suzanne Collins released her first novel in The Hunger Games saga to the marketplace. [Source: The Hunger Games Wiki] Here's the novel's plot summary as provided by Amazon.com:
"In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. Long ago the districts waged war on the Capitol and were defeated. As part of the surrender terms, each district agreed to send one boy and one girl to appear in an annual televised event called, "The Hunger Games," a fight to the death on live TV. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she is forced to represent her district in the Games. The terrain, rules, and level of audience participation may change but one thing is constant: kill or be killed."
"In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. Long ago the districts waged war on the Capitol and were defeated. As part of the surrender terms, each district agreed to send one boy and one girl to appear in an annual televised event called, "The Hunger Games," a fight to the death on live TV. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she is forced to represent her district in the Games. The terrain, rules, and level of audience participation may change but one thing is constant: kill or be killed."
