Transforming a major motion picture into a weekly television program can be a bit daunting. Naturally, some of the magic of what made the film special gets watered down when reshaping the narrative into a weekly dramatic procedural, but on this day in 1986 showrunners aptly tried to tap into Starman's wide-eyed optimism. The always likeable Robert Hays took on the central role of the alien incarnation of Paul Forrester (the part was played by Jeff Bridges in the film), and the show brought him back to Earth to join his son Scott on the (weekly) journey through life and to find Jenny, Scott's mom and Paul's lost love. It lasted a single season, tapping the lovely Erin Gray to fill Jenny's occasional shoes, but forever lives on in our memories.
The well of shows with terrific potential but unfulfilled promises grew a bit deeper with NBC's Surface. Created by Jonas and Josh Pate -- the two wunderkinds behind the massively underrated and tragically shelved Good Vs. Evil -- Surface pitted its mismatched team of kinda/sorta do-gooders trying to expose a new water-based lifeform kept under wraps by a government agents. It premiered on this day in 2005 to respectable ratings. However, as SciFi programming truly has an uphill battle in securing the size of audience necessary for a major network to bless it with long life, Surface dipped below the surface in viewership relatively quickly and eventually sank under its own narrative weight. Too bad, as this one looked like it could've been a contender (at times) ...
On this day in 1992, Star Trek: The Next Generation's sixth season opened with "Time's Arrow, Part 2," a largely forgettable adventure that involved an alien race tinkering with human history of the late 1800's. About the only thing truly memorable about it was a great guest appearance of Mark Twain, a curious wrinkle in the fabric of time if there ever was.
In the role of 'Aunt May,' the talented Rosemary Harris joined Tobey Maguire for his outings in the Spider-man universe of motion pictures. Harris was born on this day in 1927. [Source: IMDB.com]
While he's unquestionable best known for his deadpan portrayal of Batman from the late 1960's series of the same name, Adam West did enjoy a blink-and-you'll-miss-it short role in 1964's Robinson Crusoe on Mars. How brief? Well, that monkey from the picture lives much longer than he does in it. Though he's no longer with us, West was born on this day in 1928.
When Capt. James T. Kirk was abducted by aliens in the Star Trek third season episode "Wink of an Eye," he found himself tempted by the lovely Deela, one of a rare species who existed at an accelerated rate. Deela was played by the equally lovely Kathie Browne, and -- though she's no longer with us -- Browne was born on this day in 1930.
If you've worn the Starfleet uniform, then you deserve a mention: Christopher Held (now Karl Held) suited up for a small role aboard Star Trek's "The Return Of The Archons." He also appeared aboard The Invaders, Space:1999, and The Incredible Hulk. Held was born on this day in 1931. [Source: IMDB.com]
Actor David McCallum has made a splash in many television programs throughout the years. However, one of his lesser known roles was in a Fox TV program called VR5 which focused on a young woman's experiences in the virtual world. McCallum was born on this day in 1933.
When Star Trek boldly went "Where No Man Has Gone Before" in its first season, Lloyd Haynes was part of the ship's bridge crew. Though he's no longer with us, Haynes was born on this day in 1934. [Source: Memory Alpha]
The beautiful Caroline John brought to life the equally delightful 'Liz Shaw' during Doctor Who's classic years. Though she's no longer with us, John Was born on this day in 1940. [Source: Doctor Who Online Guide]
Singer, composer, and actor Paul Williams (above right) put on some heavy make-up and boarded Star Trek: Voyager in a special guest role. Williams was born on this day in 1940.
That 1980's version of Flash Gordon is so very few peoples' "cup of tea" but it's one of my secret favorite films. It was just so over-the-top that I found it hard not to love its quirky vibe. Mariangela Melato made quite a splash in it as Kala, one of the female enforcers of Ming the Merciless, and she truly helped bring Mongo to life. Ms. Melato was born on this day back in 1941; though she's no longer with us, that won't stop me in wishing her a Happy Birthday.
Victor Brandt had the good fortune of turning up not once but twice during Star Trek's third and final season. The actor also made visits to properties like The Invaders, They Came From Outer Space, and Star Wars: The Clone Wars (voice acting). Brandt was born on this day in 1943.
The venerable Randolph Mantooth turned up in one of the better installments of the original Battlestar Galactica: in "Greetings from Earth," he played Michael, a human found in suspended animation who just might be from Earth! Mantooth was born on this day in 1945.
The voluptuous Bobbie Bresee reigned primarily as a scream queen in some passable horror features, but a few roles -- such as a guest spot aboard Wonder Woman and starring roles in Star Slammer (1986) and Evil Spawn (1989) -- had solid SciFi elements to them. Bresee was born on this day in 1947. [Source: IMDB.com]
That desperately, desperately pale man is none other than screen legend Jeremy Irons. Don't worry: he isn't normally that pale! He's done up in his make-up for the role of the Uber-Morlock from 2002's remake of the classic The Time Machine. Irons was born on this day in 1948.
In 2014, David Bamber boarded "Mummy on the Orient Express," an episode of the BBC's long-running Doctor Who. Bamber was born on this day in 1954.
Rex Smith had a rather 'flirting' association with some interesting genre projects. In the guise of 'Daredevil,' he joined Bill Bixby for The Trial of the Incredible Hulk TV movie in 1989, just a few short years after taking to the streets on a high-tech motorcycle to fight crime in Street Hawk. Smith was born on this day in 1955. [Source: IMDB.com]
While aboard the Enterprise-D during Star Trek: The Next Generation's first season, Will Riker briefly found his mojo with the lovely Minuet, a holographic swinger who was a knock-out in her red dress. Minuet was played by the lovely Carolyn McCormick, who celebrates this day as her special day; she was born in 1959.
Italian-born beauty Alessandra Martines radiated royalty for her part aboard the Fantasy-themed Sinbad Of The Seven Seas (1989). Martines was born on this day in 1963. [Source: IMDB.com]
Spencer Garrett is another one of those scene-stealing character actors who can do great things with even bit roles. Genre fans know him from work aboard Star Trek: The Next Generation, M.A.N.T.I.S., Dark Skies, The X-Files, Star Trek: Voyager, The Invisible Man, Carnivale, Supernatural, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009), Iron Man 3 (2013), The Magicians, and Timeless. Garrett was born on this day in 1963. [Source: IMDB.com]
In the role of 'Elizabeth Maxwell,' the lovely Jennifer Cooke took it to the Reptilian overlords when V aired on television during the 1980's. Cooke was born on this day in 1964. [Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Kim Richards turned up in a small role aboard Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No! (2015) She also enjoyed a supporting role aboard 2009's Race To Witch Mountain. Richards was born on this day in 1964.
Most folks found AvP: Aliens vs. Predator forgettable, but -- for all its quirks -- I enjoyed it well enough, and I hoped it would make a star out of the lovely Sanaa Lathan. After all, she was a li'l lady who had to stand tall in joining alongside the Predator to fight for her life against the alien. Ms. Lathan was born on this day back in 1971.
Playboy Magazine's Miss December 1996 Victoria Silvstedt managed to work a small role aboard TV's Black Scorpion into her busy schedule. Silvstedt was born on this day in 1974. [Source: IMDB.com]
2008's Quarantine is far more Horror than it is Science Fiction, but the hybrid does pose some interesting questions about how far regular folks are willing to go to survive. Columbus Short played a law enforcement officer trying to get through the worst night of his career in the film, and Short was born on this day in 1982.
Actress and supermodel Lydia Hearst found herself at the middle of a SciFi-themed medical catastrophe better known as Cabin Fever 3: Patient Zero (2014). Hearst was born on this day in 1984.
Kevin Zegers -- shown above from his appearance aboard the WB's signature superhero series, Smallville -- has turned up in such franchises as The X-Files, Specimen (1996), Zoom (2006), and The Colony (2013). Zegers was born on this day in 1984.
That young lady checking out her youthful beauty is none other than Danielle Panabaker. Though largely unknown to Science Fiction she did star in a clever little SciFi thriller called Time Lapse that started a bit of a fire on the festival circuit in 2014. Still, her big claim to fame is as a regular as part of the ensemble that makes the CW's The Flash such winning entertainment. Panabaker was born on this day in 1987.
Dreamy newcomer Lorenza Izzo stole the show as a guest star aboard the short-lived SciFi series Dimension 404. Izzo was born on this day in 1989. [Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1977 (in Spain), the original Star Wars opened for the expectant crowd of the San Sebastian Film Festival. According to our friends at Amazon.com, here's the plot summary:
"Young farm boy Luke Skywalker is thrust into a galaxy of adventure when he intercepts a distress call from the captive Princess Leia. The event launches him on a daring mission to rescue her from the clutches of Darth Vader and the Evil Empire."
"Young farm boy Luke Skywalker is thrust into a galaxy of adventure when he intercepts a distress call from the captive Princess Leia. The event launches him on a daring mission to rescue her from the clutches of Darth Vader and the Evil Empire."
This is one of the films I've never seen, but, based on the premise, I'm honestly surprised that I've not only never seen it but also never heard of it. Radioactive Dreams appears to be a kind of spoof of MAD MAX; it was released on this day back in 1985. Here's the premise from IMDB.com:
"After an atomic war Phillip Hammer and Marlowe Chandler have spent 15 years on their own in an bunker, stuffed with junk from the 40s and old detective novels. Now, 19 years old, they leave their shelter to find a world full of mutants, freaks and cannibals. They become famous detectives in the struggle for the two keys that could fire the last nuclear weapon."
"After an atomic war Phillip Hammer and Marlowe Chandler have spent 15 years on their own in an bunker, stuffed with junk from the 40s and old detective novels. Now, 19 years old, they leave their shelter to find a world full of mutants, freaks and cannibals. They become famous detectives in the struggle for the two keys that could fire the last nuclear weapon."
On this day in 1995, Cyberjack (aka Virtual Assassin) morphed into existence. The SciFi/Action film starred Michael Dudikoff and Suki Kaiser, and here's the plot summary compliments of our friends at IMDB.com:
"In the near future Nassim, terrorist leader, storms computer company headquarters. His aim is deadly computer virus that could bring him world domination. Nick, company janitor and ex-cop, will get in his way."
"In the near future Nassim, terrorist leader, storms computer company headquarters. His aim is deadly computer virus that could bring him world domination. Nick, company janitor and ex-cop, will get in his way."
On this day in 2008 (in the United Kingdom), Zombie Strippers turned up the Apocalyptic heat on America's (ahem) favorite pasttime. The feature starred Robert Englund and Jenna Jameson, and here's the plot compliments of IMDB.com:
"A zombie epidemic spreads throughout a strip club in Nebraska."
"A zombie epidemic spreads throughout a strip club in Nebraska."
On this day in 2014 (in the United Kingdom), the animated SciFi flick Chronicles of Humanity: Renegades opened for business. According to IMDB.com, here's the feature's plot summary:
"Earth has fallen to alien invaders, Katherine continues to rampage around the colonies with her rebel fleet. Renegades brings the story to a close and not everyone is going to make it to the end."
"Earth has fallen to alien invaders, Katherine continues to rampage around the colonies with her rebel fleet. Renegades brings the story to a close and not everyone is going to make it to the end."
On this day in 2014, audiences experienced Lost Time. The feature starred Rochelle Vallese, Luke Goss, and Robert Davi, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"After leaving a doctor visit with the worst news, Valerie Dreyfuss and her sister Melissa come to a stop on a lonely stretch of road. Their car is engulfed by a blinding light....12 hours later Valerie wakes to the horror that her sister is gone, nowhere to be found."
"After leaving a doctor visit with the worst news, Valerie Dreyfuss and her sister Melissa come to a stop on a lonely stretch of road. Their car is engulfed by a blinding light....12 hours later Valerie wakes to the horror that her sister is gone, nowhere to be found."
On this day in 2014, The Maze Runner opened theatrically. This was yet another cinematic adaptation of a popular Young Adult SciFi novel, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"Thomas is deposited in a community of boys after his memory is erased, soon learning they're all trapped in a maze that will require him to join forces with fellow "runners" for a shot at escape."
"Thomas is deposited in a community of boys after his memory is erased, soon learning they're all trapped in a maze that will require him to join forces with fellow "runners" for a shot at escape."
It all began right here: on this day in 1952, "Superman On Earth" aired as the pilot episode for the popular Adventures of Superman television series. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Jor-El, Krypton's leading scientist, sends his infant son to Earth in a rocket just as the planet explodes. The rocket is found by Eben and Sarah Kent and Eben gets the infant out before the craft explodes. They raise the child as their own. Years later, after Eben's death and now aware of his super powers, Clark Kent moves to Metropolis. Sarah has made a costume for him, and she tells him that he must use his powers for good. Superman makes his debut saving a man falling from a blimp. As Clark, he hustles the man to the Daily Planet, which scores a scoop. This convinces editor Perry White to hire Clark."
"Jor-El, Krypton's leading scientist, sends his infant son to Earth in a rocket just as the planet explodes. The rocket is found by Eben and Sarah Kent and Eben gets the infant out before the craft explodes. They raise the child as their own. Years later, after Eben's death and now aware of his super powers, Clark Kent moves to Metropolis. Sarah has made a costume for him, and she tells him that he must use his powers for good. Superman makes his debut saving a man falling from a blimp. As Clark, he hustles the man to the Daily Planet, which scores a scoop. This convinces editor Perry White to hire Clark."
On this day in 1952, Tales Of Tomorrow aired "The Chase." This served as the fifth episode of the program's second (and final) season, and -- unfortunately -- I've yet been able to find a suitable plot description anywhere on the World Wide Web!
First showing ever! On this day in 1964, The Outer Limits returned to the airwaves with its second season premiere, an adventure penned by the late, great Harlan Ellison and curiously titled "Soldier." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A soldier from the far future is accidentally teleported back to our present. The psychiatrist assigned to examine the soldier realizes that he has been bred purely as a killing machine, but he believe he can reawaken the warrior's humanity. Meanwhile a second soldier arrives, dedicated to hunting and killing his enemy."
Extra-Extra Alert:
Fans interested in knowing a bit more can check out SciFiHistory.Net's "Soldier" page with includes cast photos and screencaps from the episode right here. And if you're interested in knowing what I thought of this landmark episode, my review is up right here.
"A soldier from the far future is accidentally teleported back to our present. The psychiatrist assigned to examine the soldier realizes that he has been bred purely as a killing machine, but he believe he can reawaken the warrior's humanity. Meanwhile a second soldier arrives, dedicated to hunting and killing his enemy."
Extra-Extra Alert:
Fans interested in knowing a bit more can check out SciFiHistory.Net's "Soldier" page with includes cast photos and screencaps from the episode right here. And if you're interested in knowing what I thought of this landmark episode, my review is up right here.
It all began right here: on this day in 1986, TV delivered up yet one more serialized adaptation of a successful SciFi motion picture with the premiere of Starman. Gone was Jeff Bridges but Robert Hays stepped up in his absence, and here's the premise behind "The Return":
"Photographer Paul Forrester decides to photograph an erupting volcano when he is caught in the eruption and killed. At the same time, the Starman has returned to seek Jenny Hayden and their child. He clones the dead photographer's body and finds his son, whose name is Scott and is living in an orphanage. George Fox has decided that the Starman's initial visit was a reconnaissance mission for a potential invasion, and believes that he will return. He sets up a department and begins the hunt."
"Photographer Paul Forrester decides to photograph an erupting volcano when he is caught in the eruption and killed. At the same time, the Starman has returned to seek Jenny Hayden and their child. He clones the dead photographer's body and finds his son, whose name is Scott and is living in an orphanage. George Fox has decided that the Starman's initial visit was a reconnaissance mission for a potential invasion, and believes that he will return. He sets up a department and begins the hunt."
On this day in 1992, The Ray Bradbury Theater aired "The Long Rain." This served as the sixth episode of the program's sixth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When an army spaceship crash lands on a world where it never stops raining, the four survivors try to reach the Sundome that has been erected on the planet and provides the only shelter. But exhaustion hits and predatory plants await."
"When an army spaceship crash lands on a world where it never stops raining, the four survivors try to reach the Sundome that has been erected on the planet and provides the only shelter. But exhaustion hits and predatory plants await."
On this day in 1994, Ocean Girl aired "The Earthquake." This served as the fourth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After an earthquake hits ORCA, two kids are trapped in a damaged section, which is filling with water."
"After an earthquake hits ORCA, two kids are trapped in a damaged section, which is filling with water."
On this day in 1994, Robocop: The Series aired "Nano." This served as the twentieth episode to the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"While arresting a thief, who is suddenly run down by a runaway bus, Detective Madigan is seriously injured and paralyzed. Robocop investigates and uncovers a criminal using nanobots to override machinery and electronics."
"While arresting a thief, who is suddenly run down by a runaway bus, Detective Madigan is seriously injured and paralyzed. Robocop investigates and uncovers a criminal using nanobots to override machinery and electronics."
On this day in 1997, Stargate: SG-1 aired "Brief Candle." This served as the eighth episode to the long-running program's first season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"On the planet Argos, Kynthia seduces Colonel O'Neil, which gives him an Argosian lifespan of only a 100 days. As his skin turns the color of death, will the SG-1 team succeed finding a cure?"
"On the planet Argos, Kynthia seduces Colonel O'Neil, which gives him an Argosian lifespan of only a 100 days. As his skin turns the color of death, will the SG-1 team succeed finding a cure?"
It all began right here: on this day in 2001 (in the U.S.), Wolf Lake aired "Meat The Parents." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's only season in original broadcast existence, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Seattle police detective John Kanin's search for his vanished girlfriend, Ruby Cates, brings him to the small Pacific Northwest town of Wolf Lake. There he becomes embroiled in a local power struggle and discovers that something a force ancient and mystical exerts an irresitible control over the people of the town."
"Seattle police detective John Kanin's search for his vanished girlfriend, Ruby Cates, brings him to the small Pacific Northwest town of Wolf Lake. There he becomes embroiled in a local power struggle and discovers that something a force ancient and mystical exerts an irresitible control over the people of the town."
It all began right here: on this day back in 2005, the short-lived program Surface premiered its pilot episode. Here's the skinny from IMDB.com: "Random underwater encounters raise questions and concerns among scientists, naval officials and civilians." I know a few folks who watched the show said it was superior; they were frustrated that it all ended on a serious cliffhanger that, unfortunately, has never been resolved.
On this day in 2006, Eureka premiered "Purple Haze." This served as the tenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as detailed on IMDB.com:
"Strange behavior exhibited by the townspeople is investigated by Carter,who has to solve the mystery before Stark makes a decision that could affect the world."
"Strange behavior exhibited by the townspeople is investigated by Carter,who has to solve the mystery before Stark makes a decision that could affect the world."
On this day in 2011, Alphas aired "Blind Spot." This served as the ninth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"As the Alpha team attempts to interrogate an alpha doctor, who wants to create more alphas, an invisible alpha attempts to abduct him. Dr. Rosen struggles to determine who is the more dangerous."
"As the Alpha team attempts to interrogate an alpha doctor, who wants to create more alphas, an invisible alpha attempts to abduct him. Dr. Rosen struggles to determine who is the more dangerous."
On this day in 2011, Eureka aired "One Giant Leap ..." This served as the twentieth episode of the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Hours before the launch of the Titan mission Eureka struggles with black holes and, having decided who will stay and who will go, goodbyes."
"Hours before the launch of the Titan mission Eureka struggles with black holes and, having decided who will stay and who will go, goodbyes."
On this day in 2015, Doctor Who blasted back onto the airwaves with the season premiere of its ninth (rebooted) season. It was a bit of a moody affair, picking up on some of the threads left dangling with the season eight finale. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When the skies of Earth are frozen by a mysterious alien force, Clara needs her friend, the Doctor. But where is he and what is he hiding from?"
"When the skies of Earth are frozen by a mysterious alien force, Clara needs her friend, the Doctor. But where is he and what is he hiding from?"
It all came down to this: on this day in 2017, Somewhere Between bowed out of televised existene with the airing of the aptly titled "One Must Die." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The vast conspiracy leading to Danny's execution is exposed but it is a race against time for Laura and Nico to save Danny's life."
"The vast conspiracy leading to Danny's execution is exposed but it is a race against time for Laura and Nico to save Danny's life."
Sorry, folks, I don't game, but on this day in 2014 the game Wasteland 2 enjoyed its release to the general marketplace. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's all you need to know about that:
"Sequel to the original 1988 personal computer role-playing game Wasteland, revived by original director Brian Fargo and inXile Entertainment with the return of many key members of the original development team. Wasteland 2 continues the story of the Wasteland's traveling party, with Snake Vargas, Angela Deth and other characters returning throughout the story. Following the events of the original game, you are members of a new squad of Desert Rangers patrolling post-apocalyptic Arizona, investigating new threats to the scattered survivors of nuclear war. Sent on a mission to discover what happened to the recently killed Ace, another member of the original game's party, Team Echo of the Desert Rangers will blaze a trail through multiple locations with highly interactive environments and a branching, flexible story."
"Sequel to the original 1988 personal computer role-playing game Wasteland, revived by original director Brian Fargo and inXile Entertainment with the return of many key members of the original development team. Wasteland 2 continues the story of the Wasteland's traveling party, with Snake Vargas, Angela Deth and other characters returning throughout the story. Following the events of the original game, you are members of a new squad of Desert Rangers patrolling post-apocalyptic Arizona, investigating new threats to the scattered survivors of nuclear war. Sent on a mission to discover what happened to the recently killed Ace, another member of the original game's party, Team Echo of the Desert Rangers will blaze a trail through multiple locations with highly interactive environments and a branching, flexible story."
