Unlike some other Science Fiction franchies, The Outer Limits tends to be an acquired tastes. I say this largely because it seems (in my own humble experience) that episodes of the original incarnation all played out more like mini-motion-pictures -- Limits followed the same anthology format that The Twilight Zone pioneered -- and, from week-to-week, viewers were never quite sure what they were going to get. Some installments veered more toward traditional SciFi while others toyed more in the realm of Fantasy; and -- unlike its 'older brother' The Twilight Zone -- the storytelling didn't rely so much on the 'twist' in the tale. Still, Limits persevered, and it continues to be praised by fans who discover it even today. Its first episode premiered on this day in 1963.
Throughout the 1960's and 1970's, Gerry and Sylvia Anderson did a lot to be proud of; and yet one program that tends to get lost in the shuffle quite a bit is UFO (which premiered on this day in the United Kingdom back in 1970). These twenty-six episodes focused on the Supreme Headquarters Alien Defence Organizations (SHADO) ongoing attempts to protect our planet from extra-terrestrial dangers; and -- for what my opinion is worth -- I always thought its pacing was a bit s-l-o-w. Still, the Andersons got great mileage out of the concept, enough to make it a favorite for those who've enjoyed the entire run; and I suspect folks would even welcome a modern age reboot.
On this day back in 1977, Gregory Harrison, Heather Menzies, and Donald Moffat returned television audiences to the world of Logan's Run as the program began its first and only season. The focus was again on finding Sanctuary as Logan discovered the world's dark secret regarding those who turn the age of 30, and the chase was on!
With over two hundred screen credits to his name, the late Lawrence Dobkin certainly managed to squeeze in plenty of work while shackled within his mortal coil. Genre fans might know him best from work aboard Space Academy, Voyagers, Knight Rider, and Star Trek: The Next Generation. Though he's no longer with us, Dobkin was born on this day in 1919. [Source: IMDB.com]
In over four decades in the entertainment business, the great Morgan Woodward found time to participate in many SciFi franchises. He's probably best remembered among fans for his role in Star Trek's "Dagger of the Mind," but he also boasted roles aboard Planet of the Apes, Logan's Run, Project U.F.O., Salvage 1, The Incredible Hulk, Battle Beyond The Stars, The X-Files, and Millennium. Though he's no longer with us, Woodward was born on this day in 1925.
Screen legend Peter Falk made a singular trip into Rod Serling's The Twilight Zone; in "The Mirror," he played a Central American revolutionary who discovered a portal that showed him the assassins slowly coming for him. Though he's no longer with us, Falk was born on this day in 1927.
Jack Kelly certainly enjoyed meatier roles than his part as 'Lt. Jerry Farman' in Forbidden Planet (1956), but a celebration of our singular fascination is all we do here at SciFiHistory.Net. Later in his career, he made appearances on The Bionic Woman and The Incredible Hulk. Though he's no longer with us, Kelly was born on this day in 1927.
The lovely lady posing in room all by herself is none other than actress Anne Francis as she appeared in the SciFi classic from 1956, Forbidden Planet. In the film, she played Altaira, the daughter to scientist Dr. Morbius, a man with a deep, dark secret. Though she's no longer with us, Francis was born on this day in 1930.
Linda Henning filled in the shoes of Mrs. Mallory, mother to one Quinn Mallory, the dimensional-jumping young genius at the core of Sliders' ongoing mythology. Henning was born on this day in 1944.
Hollywood liberal and 'Save the Planet' guy Ed Begley Jr. hasn't done a wealth of SciFi projects in his career, but -- in November, 1996 -- he did star in a fairly fun Star Trek: Voyager two-parter called "Future's End." In it, Begley played modern day capitalist secretly benefiting from the use of future technology he's managed to get his hands on; Capt. Janeway takes her crew into Earth's past (circa 1996) to put a stop to the man's shenanigans. Personally, I rather remember him from his work aboard the original Battlestar Galactica. Begley Jr. was born on this day in 1949.
Sometime critical darling and all-times movie tough guy Mickey Rourke joined the cast of the SciFi/Thriller WEAPONiZED (2016). He also enjoyed prominent screen time as the villainous Ivan Vanko in Iron Man 2. Rourke -- always a pleasure to watch -- was born on this day in 1952.
Kurt Fuller's is one of those faces that pops up all over the place, but sadly his time in genre properties tends to be fairly limited. He did have a guest-starring regular role aboard the TV incarnation of Timecop, and for that fans are forever grateful. Fuller was born on this day in 1953.
Howard Weinstein is a writer who's had the good fortune to dabble in universes to the delight of his fans. During the 80's, he had a run with the V series of novels; and -- in the early 90's -- he set his sights on the Star Trek universe, contributing both in novels as well as comic books. Weinstein was born on this day in 1954.
Never count out Jennifer Tilly as the versatile actress can and will show up in the most unlikely places. Case in point: 1988's subversive SciFi/Comedy Remote Control. Tilly was born on this day in 1958.
After a silver screen debut in such a stinker as Superman IV: The Quest For Peace, Jayne Brook defied the odds with quality work ever since. SciFi fans might know her best from Gattaca (pictured above), 1997's exploration of engineering the perfect society. Brook was born on this day in 1960.
Red Dwarf never was my cup of tea, but anyone can certainly appreciate any property's ability to make a name for itself. Danny John-Jules (above left ... with the vampire teeth!) plays Cat on the singular program. John-Jules was born on this day in 1960.
If you appear in one of the most beloved Science Fiction films of all time, then you deserve a mention ... even if your part is a bit of a wee one. Such is the case for Sean Frye (second from the left above), who played Steve in 1982's E.T. - The Extraterrestrial. Frye was born on this day in 1963.
Nick Sagan -- son of the late astronomer Carl Sagan (based on this picture, he's definitely got his father's eyes) -- has carved out his own niche in Science and Science Fiction while dutifully following in his father's footsteps. As well as publishing some successful SciFi novels on his own, he's also written episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: Voyager, and Space Precinct. Sagan was born on this day in 1970.
A legitimate Ginger if ever there were one (plus freckles!), the lovely Amy Price-Francis has dabbled with some quality SciFi throughout her career. She's had roles aboard Tracker, Mutant X, Alien Tracker, Earthstorm, Medium, and The Dead Zone. Price-Francis was born on this day in 1975.
Gilmore Girls alumnus Alexis Bledel hung up the rat-a-tat dialogue for something a bit more scientific, that being a role in the 2014 SciFi/Drama Parts Per Billion. Bledel was born on this day in 1981.
As I've mentioned before, I grew up being a DC Comics' guy, so I'm not all that familiar with properties like the X-Men ... but I appreciate a good theatrical yarn as well as the next. Bingbing Fan played Blink in X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014) and also has a solid record appearing in some quality Hong Kong actioners. Fan was born on this day in 1981.
With her long hair and good looks, young Madeline Zima (above right) brought her girly gravitas to NBC's flash-in-the-pan-popular Heroes for a while. She's since moved on to much more mainstream fare, but (as I always say) "we'll take ya back any time ya like!" Zima was born on this day in 1985.
Back in 2011, the talented Max Minghella starred in The Darkest Hour, a SciFi/Thriller that pitted a young ensemble trapped in Moscow against an alien race stealing Earth's power supply. Minghella was born on this day in 1985.
On this day in 1974 (in Sweden), John Boorman's Zardoz posed questions about mankind's future that quite probably few could answer. According to IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In the distant future, a savage trained only to kill finds a way into the community of bored immortals that alone preserves humanity's achievements."
"In the distant future, a savage trained only to kill finds a way into the community of bored immortals that alone preserves humanity's achievements."
On this day in 1977, the SciFi/Horror/Telefilm Curse Of The Black Widow was first broadcast. The film starred Donna Mills and Patty Duke, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A private detective named Mark Higbie is on the trail of a murderer whose mutilated and predominantly male victims are found encased in silken cocoons. He eventually tracks the killer's path to Los Angeles, where he discovers her true identity: a woman who was bitten by black widow spiders as a child. However, that's only the beginning of the story."
"A private detective named Mark Higbie is on the trail of a murderer whose mutilated and predominantly male victims are found encased in silken cocoons. He eventually tracks the killer's path to Los Angeles, where he discovers her true identity: a woman who was bitten by black widow spiders as a child. However, that's only the beginning of the story."
On this day in 1983, the aptly-titled Strange Invaders was first screened to the masses at large. The story dealt with a UFO visitation that grew into something more, and it starred Paul LeMat, Louise Fletcher, and Nancy Allen in key roles. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Charlie's ex-wife disappears, and he travels to where she grew up--a rural town in the Midwest--to look for her. But, surprisingly, nobody knows about her or any of her many relatives, the Newmans. He meets aliens; but when he contacts the FBI, they don't believe him. He tells his story to a tabloid; and suddenly, he is chased by the aliens."
And if that isn't enough to whet your whistle, then check out SciFiHistory.Net's review right here.
"Charlie's ex-wife disappears, and he travels to where she grew up--a rural town in the Midwest--to look for her. But, surprisingly, nobody knows about her or any of her many relatives, the Newmans. He meets aliens; but when he contacts the FBI, they don't believe him. He tells his story to a tabloid; and suddenly, he is chased by the aliens."
And if that isn't enough to whet your whistle, then check out SciFiHistory.Net's review right here.
On this day in 1983, the sci-fi flick Wavelength first premiered in theatres. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Two young lovers learn that a small group of child-like space aliens are marooned on Earth and are being held prisoner at a top secret military facility. The couple then decide to liberate the extraterrestrial castaways and help them make a rendezvous with a rescue ship sent from the alien home planet."
"Two young lovers learn that a small group of child-like space aliens are marooned on Earth and are being held prisoner at a top secret military facility. The couple then decide to liberate the extraterrestrial castaways and help them make a rendezvous with a rescue ship sent from the alien home planet."
On this day in 1987 (in Brazil), Spaceballs bounced its way into the movie houses. Directed and written by Mel Brooks, the SciFi/Comedy starred Bill Pullman and John Candy, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A rogue star pilot and his trusty sidekick must come to the rescue of a Princess and save the galaxy from a ruthless race of beings known as Spaceballs."
"A rogue star pilot and his trusty sidekick must come to the rescue of a Princess and save the galaxy from a ruthless race of beings known as Spaceballs."
Everyone's favorite Arnold Schwarzenegger imitator -- Jean Claude Van Damme -- really tried hard to follow in the footsteps his Austrian predecessor laid down: he tried to find a good sci-fi property with which to send his "acting" career into the stratosphere. Timecop -- which should've been called "TimeCrap" so far as this viewer is concerned -- gave it an honest try; unfortunately, it descended into his usual physical histrionics in the latter half, wasting a solid premise on splits and judo kicks. Still, it found its way into theatres on this day back in 1994.
On this day in 2016, ARQ enjoyed its global streaming release. Written and directed by Tony Elliott, the SciFi feature starred Robbie Amell and Rachael Taylor, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Trapped in a lab and stuck in a time loop, a disoriented couple fends off masked raiders while harboring a new energy source that could save humanity."
"Trapped in a lab and stuck in a time loop, a disoriented couple fends off masked raiders while harboring a new energy source that could save humanity."
On this day in 1963, an all-new SciFi phenomenon was born when The Outer Limits premiered on television. The first episode was titled "The Galaxy Being," and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"Adventurous radio station operator contacts a fellow experimenter in another galaxy. The operator locks in 3D communication, but a DJ who wants to impress his girlfriend with the station's range, boosts the signal all the way up, unknowingly sucking the alien, who's composed of electricity, into the remote desert town."
"Adventurous radio station operator contacts a fellow experimenter in another galaxy. The operator locks in 3D communication, but a DJ who wants to impress his girlfriend with the station's range, boosts the signal all the way up, unknowingly sucking the alien, who's composed of electricity, into the remote desert town."
On this day in 1967, The Fantastic Four aired "Diablo." This served as the second episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"In Transylvania, the Fantastic Four find a ruined castle. Ben is summoned by Diablo and unable to resist, opens Diabolo's prison, unleashing him and later brainwashing Ben. Diablo tricks the world into thinking he has the power to help them. The world then realizes what a fraud Diablo really is. The Fantastic Four seize this opportunity to attack Diablo's castle. After getting far in the dungeons, the four get captured. Ben escapes, releases the others and they defeat Diablo."
"In Transylvania, the Fantastic Four find a ruined castle. Ben is summoned by Diablo and unable to resist, opens Diabolo's prison, unleashing him and later brainwashing Ben. Diablo tricks the world into thinking he has the power to help them. The world then realizes what a fraud Diablo really is. The Fantastic Four seize this opportunity to attack Diablo's castle. After getting far in the dungeons, the four get captured. Ben escapes, releases the others and they defeat Diablo."
On this day in 1970, Ace Of Wands aired "Now You See It, Now You Don't: Part 1." This served as the eighth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TV.com:
"An ingenious bank robbery leads Tarot and his companions to a cabal of neo-Nazis headquartered on a strange houseboat full of computers."
"An ingenious bank robbery leads Tarot and his companions to a cabal of neo-Nazis headquartered on a strange houseboat full of computers."
It all began right here: on this day in 1970 (in the United Kingdom), UFO aired its first hour, one titled "Identified." According to IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"SHADO - an acronym for Supreme Headquarters Alien Defence Organization - is located beneath a supposed film studio in the English countryside and run by Commander Straker, who poses as a film producer. When an Unidentified Flying Object attacks a plane in which Straker's deputy Colonel Freeman is travelling it is shot down and investigated. The body of an alien is found and discovered to have transplanted human body parts, seemingly from a trio who disappeared in nearby woods a decade earlier. It is part of the alien plan to take over the Earth to study and imitate humans."
"SHADO - an acronym for Supreme Headquarters Alien Defence Organization - is located beneath a supposed film studio in the English countryside and run by Commander Straker, who poses as a film producer. When an Unidentified Flying Object attacks a plane in which Straker's deputy Colonel Freeman is travelling it is shot down and investigated. The body of an alien is found and discovered to have transplanted human body parts, seemingly from a trio who disappeared in nearby woods a decade earlier. It is part of the alien plan to take over the Earth to study and imitate humans."
On this day in 1973, Moonbase 3 aired "Behemoth." This served as the second episode in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When two seismologists mysteriously vanish in the Mare Frigoris region, Caulder bans all travel into the area, a decision that upsets Dr Heinz Laubenthal who is conducting research in the area but won't reveal what he is working on. Some time later, Laubenthal is killed in an explosion in his laboratory. Investigations reveal that the lab walls were breached from the outside and strange tracks are found leading from the lab in the direction of the Mare Frigoris."
"When two seismologists mysteriously vanish in the Mare Frigoris region, Caulder bans all travel into the area, a decision that upsets Dr Heinz Laubenthal who is conducting research in the area but won't reveal what he is working on. Some time later, Laubenthal is killed in an explosion in his laboratory. Investigations reveal that the lab walls were breached from the outside and strange tracks are found leading from the lab in the direction of the Mare Frigoris."
It all began right here: on this day in 1977, Logan's Run began its journey on the small screen. The first episode was titled, aptly, "Logan's Run," and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"In 2319, survivors of a nuclear war live within a domed city, sealed off from the outside world, where citizens are allowed to live only until thirty years old. Logan, a Sandman, an elite policeman whose job is to terminate all "runners" who seek escape from the extermination ceremony "Carousel," begins to question the system. Logan and his companion Jessica leave the city in search of a mysterious place called "Sanctuary," where successful runners are said to have found refuge. Logan and Jessica stumble upon a mountain city where they meet Rem, an android who decides to join them in their search."
"In 2319, survivors of a nuclear war live within a domed city, sealed off from the outside world, where citizens are allowed to live only until thirty years old. Logan, a Sandman, an elite policeman whose job is to terminate all "runners" who seek escape from the extermination ceremony "Carousel," begins to question the system. Logan and his companion Jessica leave the city in search of a mysterious place called "Sanctuary," where successful runners are said to have found refuge. Logan and Jessica stumble upon a mountain city where they meet Rem, an android who decides to join them in their search."
On this day in 1978, Doctor Who aired "The Ribos Operation: Part 3." This served as the third episode of the program's sixteenth season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"The Graff takes the Doctor, Romana and Garron prisoner and then sets about trying to track down Unstoffe and the jethryk."
"The Graff takes the Doctor, Romana and Garron prisoner and then sets about trying to track down Unstoffe and the jethryk."
On this day in 1978, Jason of Star Command aired "Prisoner of Dragos." This served as the second episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from TV.com:
"Dragos creates energy clones of Jason and Canarvin, and sends Canarvin's back to Space Academy to wreak havoc. Jason and Canarvin break out of their cells, and Canarvin escapes on Jason's ship. Jason tries warning Space Academy of the imposter, before he is re-captured by Dragos."
"Dragos creates energy clones of Jason and Canarvin, and sends Canarvin's back to Space Academy to wreak havoc. Jason and Canarvin break out of their cells, and Canarvin escapes on Jason's ship. Jason tries warning Space Academy of the imposter, before he is re-captured by Dragos."
On this day in 1986, The Adventures of the Galaxy Rangers aired "Mindnet." This (technically) served as the program's eleventh episode (they were aired wildly out of sequence), and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Half of Mindnet, a machine that could grant anyone with psychic abilities, is stolen. The suspect is Gooseman. The Rangers stand behind Goose, and try to figure out who really stole Mindnet and keep them from getting the other half. Goose will also have a new assignment, to bring in the Supertroopers, his former comrades."
"Half of Mindnet, a machine that could grant anyone with psychic abilities, is stolen. The suspect is Gooseman. The Rangers stand behind Goose, and try to figure out who really stole Mindnet and keep them from getting the other half. Goose will also have a new assignment, to bring in the Supertroopers, his former comrades."
On this day in 1994, The X-Files aired "Little Green Men." This served as the first episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"With the X-Files shut down, Mulder travels to Puerto Rico, where he attempts to uncover the meaning behind the sudden termination of a communications operation."
"With the X-Files shut down, Mulder travels to Puerto Rico, where he attempts to uncover the meaning behind the sudden termination of a communications operation."
On this day in 2000, Batman Beyond aired "King's Ransom." This served as the first episode of the program's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"Reduced to doing Paxton Power's dirty work, The Royal Flush Gang begins to fall apart while Batman has to clean up the mess."
"Reduced to doing Paxton Power's dirty work, The Royal Flush Gang begins to fall apart while Batman has to clean up the mess."
On this day in 2005, Stargate: SG-1 aired "Prototype." This served as the ninth episode of the long-running program's ninth season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"In an attempt to observe what may be an undiscovered black hole, Carter is sent to the wrong planet. She returns with this information and begins diagnostics on the dialing computer. When they find that nothing is wrong on their end, Carter theorizes that the gate is keeping people out by redirecting them to a random planet. She cracks the code keeping them out and SG-1 goes to investigate the planet."
"In an attempt to observe what may be an undiscovered black hole, Carter is sent to the wrong planet. She returns with this information and begins diagnostics on the dialing computer. When they find that nothing is wrong on their end, Carter theorizes that the gate is keeping people out by redirecting them to a random planet. She cracks the code keeping them out and SG-1 goes to investigate the planet."
Also on this day in 2005, Stargate: SG-1 aired "The Fourth Horseman, Part 1." This served as the tenth episode of the long-running program's ninth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A prior has convinced Gerak, leader of the Jaffa Nation, into following Origin. He is attempting to make Origin a state religion for the Jaffa. Teal'c and Bra'tac attempt to make a case against the Ori, but to no avail. Meanwhile, a "prior plague" has breached SGC and spread to the rest of Colorado."
"A prior has convinced Gerak, leader of the Jaffa Nation, into following Origin. He is attempting to make Origin a state religion for the Jaffa. Teal'c and Bra'tac attempt to make a case against the Ori, but to no avail. Meanwhile, a "prior plague" has breached SGC and spread to the rest of Colorado."
On this day in 2006, Paramount actually went and did the unthinkable. Going where no one had gone before (kinda), Paramount decided to take the original Star Trek series and remaster them with contemporary technology while attempting to preserve the look, feel, and general aesthetic of the seminal 1960's program. Initially, fans were a bit mixed, but -- as more and more episodes were completed -- they gradually warmed up to the process. The first episode broadcast to the masses-at-large (on this day) was the oft-voted fan favorite "Balance of Terror."
On this day back in 2007, USA's The 4400 aired its series finale, an hour aptly titled "The Great Leap Forward." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the episode's plot summary:
"Danny Farrell's newfound ability to spread promicin leads to several hundred deaths, including his mother. With Seattle in chaos, NTAC is forced to accept Promise City's offer of help."
For better or for worse, The 4400 only flirted with greatness by way of its great ideas -- that being ordinary humans being suddenly endowed with extraordinary abilities first by alien abduction and then by chemicals. Unfortunately, audiences never quite learned where it was all evolving from -- as is often the case, the hardcore serious questions of who, what, where, when and why just never felt fully addressed. There were strong hints that mankind was being pushed toward a next evolution, but to what end? I don't know. I didn't know then, and we'll quite possibly never know. Maybe that's the way The 4400 wanted it.
"Danny Farrell's newfound ability to spread promicin leads to several hundred deaths, including his mother. With Seattle in chaos, NTAC is forced to accept Promise City's offer of help."
For better or for worse, The 4400 only flirted with greatness by way of its great ideas -- that being ordinary humans being suddenly endowed with extraordinary abilities first by alien abduction and then by chemicals. Unfortunately, audiences never quite learned where it was all evolving from -- as is often the case, the hardcore serious questions of who, what, where, when and why just never felt fully addressed. There were strong hints that mankind was being pushed toward a next evolution, but to what end? I don't know. I didn't know then, and we'll quite possibly never know. Maybe that's the way The 4400 wanted it.
On this day in 2008, Eureka aired "Here Comes The Suns." This served as the seventh episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"The appearance of a second sun makes election week in Eureka a little more intense, and gives Eva Thorne an opening that may mean the end of Global Dynamics."
"The appearance of a second sun makes election week in Eureka a little more intense, and gives Eva Thorne an opening that may mean the end of Global Dynamics."
On this day in 2008, Gemini Division aired "Deep Cover." This served as the fourteenth episode in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"While undercover, Anna receives new instructions from Gemini."
"While undercover, Anna receives new instructions from Gemini."
On this day in 2011, Star Wars: The Clone Wars blasted off into its fourth season with the airing of "Water War." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The water planet Mon Calamari is on the brink of civil war. Senator Amidala and her Jedi protector Anakin Skywalker take the side of the Mon Cal, while Separatist representative Riff Tamson spurs on the Quarren."
"The water planet Mon Calamari is on the brink of civil war. Senator Amidala and her Jedi protector Anakin Skywalker take the side of the Mon Cal, while Separatist representative Riff Tamson spurs on the Quarren."
Also on this day in 2011, Star Wars: The Clone Wars aired "Gungan Attack." This served as the second episode in the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The Mon Cal and Jedi are in hiding beneath the underwater capital city of Mon Cal. The Jedi Council calls on the help of the Gungan army led by Jar Jar Binks."
"The Mon Cal and Jedi are in hiding beneath the underwater capital city of Mon Cal. The Jedi Council calls on the help of the Gungan army led by Jar Jar Binks."
On this day in the year 2436, the spaceship Vorga will fatefully pass up rescuing Gulliver 'Gully' Foyle, Mechanics 3rd Mate, from the wreckage of the S.S. Nomad in the vacuum of space, setting in motion a string of events unfolding in what many have proclaimed to be "the greatest single SF novel" written. The Stars, My Destination was published in 1956 by Alfred Bester, and it's definitely worth your time.
