Love him or hate him, Keanu Reeves is the face of sci-fi for a generation of movie-goers. He was Neo in The Matrix. He kinda/sorta took over our planet in The Day The Earth Stood Still remake (the original is still better). And he traveled through time, all for the purposes of doing a book report, in Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure. Mr. Reeves remains a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood, and he celebrates his birthday today, born on this day back in 1964. Party on, dude!
Martin Miller nearly amassed one hundred different screen credits in his time on the Earthly plane. Perhaps one of his best remembered roles was as 'Kublai Khan' in Doctor Who's very first season. Though he's no longer with us, Miller was born on this day in 1899.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Eileen Way joined Tom Baker aboard "The Creature From The Pit," a late-1970's serial from the BBC's long-running Doctor Who. Though she's no longer with us, Way was born on this day in 1911.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
That tall fellow? The one in the black head-dress and the frilly curtain about his shouders? The guy standing next to the sneering Klingon? That is none other than Michael Dante in the guise of Maab from the Star Trek second season episode, "Friday's Child." The talented actor also sported appearances aboard Get Smart (1966) and The Six Million Dollar Man (1974). Dante was born on this day in 1931.
"If you're going to be an extra in only a single episode of episodic television, then you damn well better make it a good one." That's what grandma used to say. Grandma always was a little weird. In any event, Robert Chadwick heeded her advice, though he undoubtedly never heard it from my grandma. He had a role in the classic Star Trek episode, "Balance Of Terror," as the Romulan Scanner Operator. He also booked roles in The Outer Limits (1965) and Irwin Allen's Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea (1965). Though he's no longer with us, Chadwick was born on this day in 1933.
In an episode of the classic Battlestar Galactica, Ben Frank played one of the meddlers questioning authority in "Murder on the Rising Star." Though he's no longer with us, Frank was born on this day in 1934.
Sandra Knight was certainly bitten by the entertainment bug. IMDB.com reports that her background includes not only acting but also singing and dancing. Still, her career onscreen has been fairly modest, but she can be caught captivating audiences in such properties as Frankenstein's Daughter (1958), One Step Beyond, The Terror (1963), Bloodbath (1966), and The Haunting Of Morella (1990). Knight was born on this day in 1939.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Veteran comic book artist and scribe Walter Simonson celebrates his birthday today. He's contributed to such ongoing comic book properties as Batman, The Hulk, Star Trek, and Star Wars. Simonson was born on this day in 1946.
Despite a relatively high Klingon presence as part of several of the more modern Star Trek television series, I tend to prefer their portrayal in the classic Trek universe (the original program and its movies) far more than these modern age aliens. Call me naive, but the old-school Klingons seemed more authentic. In any event, Rosana DeSoto played a Klingon female to sublime effect as part of Star Trek: The Undiscovered Country. DeSoto was born on this day in 1950.
In the mid-1970's TV program Shazam!, young Michael Gray (above right) played the 'Billy Batson,' the human charged with maintaining custody of the mighty superhero. Gray was born on this day in 1951.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Early in his career, Mark Harmon knew something was fishy in Goliath Awaits, a 1981 SciFi telefilm about a group of survivors trapped beneath the sea. Harmon was born on this day in 1951.
Though she's now renowned for her work as a horse trainer, Gai Waterhouse (when she was Gai Smith) enjoyed a guest appearance aboard "The Invasion Of Time" serial of Doctor Who. Waterhouse was born on this day in 1954.
[Source: Doctor Who Online]
[Source: Doctor Who Online]
With over 100 screen roles to her name, I'm actually quite surprised that the lovely Linda Purl hasn't done more Science Fiction and Fantasy. A review of her IMDB.com profile only shows a few: Time Travellers (1966) and HBO's True Blood. Dang. Purl was born on this day in 1955.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Sean Gallagher dabbled in the wide, wide world of Doctor Who with a guest role in the re-launched program's second season. Gallagher was born on this day in 1965.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
No matter how utterly inviting the prospect of seeing Salma Hayek in 3D might sound, I still can't bring myself to watch Spy Kids 3: Game Over (2003). Hayek was born on this day in 1966.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
When writer/director Stephen Sommers rebooted The Mummy (1999) for a whole new generation of fans, he cast the talented Tuc Watkins in the role of Mr. Burns. The actor has also appeared aboard Infested (2002) and Syfy's Warehouse 13. Watkins was born on this day in 1966.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Cynthia Watros was only one of the lovely ladies that made up part of the ensemble at the core to ABC TV's Lost. She hasn't done much genre-specific work since that time, but I for one would welcome her pretty face back any time she likes. Watros was born on this day in 1968.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
One of my personal favorites TV-based SciFi programs ever remains Fox TV's Space: Above and Beyond. In it, firecracker-hot Kristen Cloke played space-based fighter pilot 'Lt. Shane Vansen' to perfection. Sadly, the show only lasted a season and ended on a massive cliffhanger, but Vansen lives on in the imagination of fans everywhere. Cloke was born on this day in 1968.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Model, Playboy Playmate, and actress Shauna Sand has squeezed in some interesting appearances in genre properties over her career. Fans might recognize her from stints aboard Dark Realm (2001), Charmed, and Succubus: Hell-Bent (2007). Sand was born on this day in 1971.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Nicholas Pinnock's acting portfolio continues to grow. Genre fans might recognize him from work aboard The Deep, Captain America: The First Avenger (2011), Monsters: Dark Continent (2014), and Starz Network excellent yet underrated SciFi/Serial Counterpart. Pinnock was born on this day in 1973.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though it looks as though her career steers more toward conventional programming, the lovely Tiffany Hines did manage to squeeze a role into the SciFi/Miniseries Meteor back in 2009. Here's hoping she finds a few more right up our alley! Hines was born on this day in 1983.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Terra Nova was one of those programs that had great promise: methinks the problem was it was shackled with a creative crew who had absolutely no idea of how to tap into it. That isn't for a lack of talent in front of the camera, though. Allison Miller played Skye to some fan acclaim. Miller was born on this day in 1985.
Young Yani Gellman (pictured above left) faced the real 'Final Frontier' along with the nefarious Jason Voorhees when that franchise zipped forward to the 25th Century with Jason X. Gellman was born on this day in 1985.
Young Austin Abrams tried to be a force to reckon with in the Fantasy-themed The Walking Dead for AMC; sadly, few folks get out of that show alive. Abrams was born on this day in 1996.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1957 (in Sweden), the Horror/SciFi hybrid The Deadly Mantis tried to sink its teeth ... er ... arms ... er ... claw-things into mankind. The feature starred Craig Stevens and William Hopper, and here's the premise compliments of IMDB.com:
"A giant prehistoric praying mantis, recently freed from the Arctic ice, voraciously preys on American military at the DEW Line and works its way south."
"A giant prehistoric praying mantis, recently freed from the Arctic ice, voraciously preys on American military at the DEW Line and works its way south."
A star is born! On this day in 1965 (in Mexico), audiences were taken on an Adventure At The Center Of The Earth! Directed by Alfredo B. Crevenna from a story by José María Fernández Unsáin, the Fantasy/Thriller starred Kitty de Hoyos, Javier Solis, and Columba Dominguez. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Mexican horror film with a variety of classic monsters, bat-like creatures, a rat-faced monster, dinosaurs and a cyclops."
"Mexican horror film with a variety of classic monsters, bat-like creatures, a rat-faced monster, dinosaurs and a cyclops."
A star is born! On this day in 1966 (in West Germany), The Brides Of Fu Manchu enjoyed their opening cinematic reception. Written (in part) and directed by Don Sharp, the Horror/Mystery starred Christopher Lee, Douglas Wilmer, and Heinz Drache. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Fu Manchu blackmails several industrialists and scientists into helping him construct a super-weapon by kidnapping their daughters and wives."
"Fu Manchu blackmails several industrialists and scientists into helping him construct a super-weapon by kidnapping their daughters and wives."
May the Force be with us! On this day in 1982 (in Italy), the original Star Wars enjoyed a rare theatrical re-release. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Luke Skywalker joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a Wookiee and two droids to save the galaxy from the Empire's world-destroying battle station, while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia from the mysterious Darth Vader."
"Luke Skywalker joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a Wookiee and two droids to save the galaxy from the Empire's world-destroying battle station, while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia from the mysterious Darth Vader."
A star is born! On this day in 1983, the SciFi/Actioner Stryker struck theaters. The film starred Steve Sandor and Andrea Savio, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The world's water supply has dried up due to some sort of apocalypse. A beautiful woman holds the secret to where one of the last springs being guarded by a group of Amazons. A "Road Warrior" like crew captures her and tries to make her talk through brutal torture. The hero (Styrker) unites with some of the remaining "good guys" and the Amazons and frees the woman. They go on to a "Road Warrior" type of concluding battle with the bad guys."
"The world's water supply has dried up due to some sort of apocalypse. A beautiful woman holds the secret to where one of the last springs being guarded by a group of Amazons. A "Road Warrior" like crew captures her and tries to make her talk through brutal torture. The hero (Styrker) unites with some of the remaining "good guys" and the Amazons and frees the woman. They go on to a "Road Warrior" type of concluding battle with the bad guys."
On this day in 1983, Turkey Shoot delivered yet one more dark look at mankind's future. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a totalitarian country, any subversives, undesirables and "deviants" are sent to a prison camp to be rehabilitated and reeducated. The camp is run in fascist fashion, with guards torturing and killing prisoners for sport. Their pinnacle of the guards oppression is an event where a select band of prisoners are set free in the surrounding bush, to be hunted by the guards and special guests for sport - the Turkey Shoot."
"In a totalitarian country, any subversives, undesirables and "deviants" are sent to a prison camp to be rehabilitated and reeducated. The camp is run in fascist fashion, with guards torturing and killing prisoners for sport. Their pinnacle of the guards oppression is an event where a select band of prisoners are set free in the surrounding bush, to be hunted by the guards and special guests for sport - the Turkey Shoot."
On this day in 1988 (in Japan), Transformations enjoyed its launch on home video. Directed by Jay Kamen from a story by Mitc Brian, the SciFi/Horror starred Rex Smith, Lisa Langlois, and Patrick Macnee. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Wolfgang is traveling in outer space when a monster, which he sees as a beautiful woman, appears in his spaceship and makes love with him. Then the ship is forced to land on a planet which is a penal colony. Here he meets Miranda who falls in love with him. A group of prisoners uses him and his spaceship to fly away from the planet. But the monster which is by now inside Wolfgang arouses and only Miranda's love can save him."
"Wolfgang is traveling in outer space when a monster, which he sees as a beautiful woman, appears in his spaceship and makes love with him. Then the ship is forced to land on a planet which is a penal colony. Here he meets Miranda who falls in love with him. A group of prisoners uses him and his spaceship to fly away from the planet. But the monster which is by now inside Wolfgang arouses and only Miranda's love can save him."
On this day in 1995 (in France), Hercules And The Lost Kingdom whetted the audience's appetite for yet more adventures in the realm of TV's Hercules. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Hercules is provoked till he has no other choice then fight Gargan, a giant who had absolutely no quarrel with him- and decks the mountain of aggression easily. Then the last survivor of a group of messengers, killed off one by one by Hera, dies after imploring him to come end her rule of terror in the 'lost city of Troy', which his father Zeus, who is once more unwilling to extend any more tangible help, discloses can only be found with the 'one true compass' last seen in the possession of queen Omphale. On his searching for her he frees -then against her will- Deianeira, the eager victim about to be sacrificed to the river god as virgin in the prime of her fertility to end a drought. He battles passed the 48 sons of the gate guardian and arranges to be sold at the annual slave market to the queen, who only wants him in her bed. After dealing with some protection racketeers and the devoted, happy palace slave Waylin he finally gets her late husbands compass from Omphale. He sets out on the journey with Deianeira; a sea monster swallows them, but is defeated. On land they find her father, the dying king of Troy who names her his heir, prepare an army of Trojans to reconquer the city and enter it unopposed, but then emerges an army of Heras minions, whose leader is about to sacrifice Deianeira and puts up a good fight against Hercules."
"Hercules is provoked till he has no other choice then fight Gargan, a giant who had absolutely no quarrel with him- and decks the mountain of aggression easily. Then the last survivor of a group of messengers, killed off one by one by Hera, dies after imploring him to come end her rule of terror in the 'lost city of Troy', which his father Zeus, who is once more unwilling to extend any more tangible help, discloses can only be found with the 'one true compass' last seen in the possession of queen Omphale. On his searching for her he frees -then against her will- Deianeira, the eager victim about to be sacrificed to the river god as virgin in the prime of her fertility to end a drought. He battles passed the 48 sons of the gate guardian and arranges to be sold at the annual slave market to the queen, who only wants him in her bed. After dealing with some protection racketeers and the devoted, happy palace slave Waylin he finally gets her late husbands compass from Omphale. He sets out on the journey with Deianeira; a sea monster swallows them, but is defeated. On land they find her father, the dying king of Troy who names her his heir, prepare an army of Trojans to reconquer the city and enter it unopposed, but then emerges an army of Heras minions, whose leader is about to sacrifice Deianeira and puts up a good fight against Hercules."
A star is born! On this day in 2009 (in Italy), feral zombies were back in the 'found footage' business when audiences at the Venice Film Festival were treated to the first theatrical engagement ever of REC2. Written (in part) and directed by the team of Jaume Balagueró and Paco Plaza, the Horror/Fantasy starred Jonathan D. Mellor, Manuela Velasco, and Óscar Zafra. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In order to ascertain the current situation inside, a supposed medical officer and a GEO team step into the quarantined and ill-fated apartment building."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Rec 2 garnered a good amount of praise from a small handful of film organizations.
"In order to ascertain the current situation inside, a supposed medical officer and a GEO team step into the quarantined and ill-fated apartment building."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Rec 2 garnered a good amount of praise from a small handful of film organizations.
On this day in 2009 (in the Czech Republic), the original SciFi/Classic The War Of The Worlds enjoyed a release on home video. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A small town in California is attacked by Martians, beginning a worldwide invasion."
"A small town in California is attacked by Martians, beginning a worldwide invasion."
On this day in 2010 (in Portugal), Predators took audiences for another spin in the wide, wide world of The Predator's franchise. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When a group of elite warriors find themselves in a jungle they realize that they are on a completely different planet and it's home to a race of extraterrestrial hunters. The group consists of a mercenary known as Royce, an IDF sniper known as Isabelle, a Russian Spetsnaz known as Nikolai, a drug cartel enforcer known as Cuchillo, an RUF officer known as Mombasa, a death row inmate known as Stans, a Yakuza assassin known as Hanzo, and an American doctor known as Edwin. It's up to these 8 individuals to stop their hunters and get off the planet."
"When a group of elite warriors find themselves in a jungle they realize that they are on a completely different planet and it's home to a race of extraterrestrial hunters. The group consists of a mercenary known as Royce, an IDF sniper known as Isabelle, a Russian Spetsnaz known as Nikolai, a drug cartel enforcer known as Cuchillo, an RUF officer known as Mombasa, a death row inmate known as Stans, a Yakuza assassin known as Hanzo, and an American doctor known as Edwin. It's up to these 8 individuals to stop their hunters and get off the planet."
A star is born! On this day in 2010 (in Japan), the good people of Tokyo woke up to the Zombie Apocalypse that was the theatrical premiere of Resident Evil: Afterlife. Written and directed by Paul W.S. Anderson, the SciFi/Thriller starred Milla Jovovich, Ali Larter, and Wentworth Miller. Accrording to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"While still out to destroy the evil Umbrella Corporation, Alice joins a group of survivors living in a prison surrounded by the infected who also want to relocate to the mysterious but supposedly unharmed safe haven known only as Arcadia."
For the record:
Resident Evil: Afterlife suffered no 'sophomore slump' in the life of the entire Resident Evil franchise. The flick garnered a wealth of attention from the Genie Awards, the organization that recognized excellence in Canadian film. Also, actress Milla Jovovich was honored as the 'Best Science Fiction Actress' at the 2011 Scream Awards, no small feat indeed.
"While still out to destroy the evil Umbrella Corporation, Alice joins a group of survivors living in a prison surrounded by the infected who also want to relocate to the mysterious but supposedly unharmed safe haven known only as Arcadia."
For the record:
Resident Evil: Afterlife suffered no 'sophomore slump' in the life of the entire Resident Evil franchise. The flick garnered a wealth of attention from the Genie Awards, the organization that recognized excellence in Canadian film. Also, actress Milla Jovovich was honored as the 'Best Science Fiction Actress' at the 2011 Scream Awards, no small feat indeed.
From what I can tell, most folks really hate the whole 'found footage' flick format, but I kinda/sorta dig it. There's a rawness to the storytelling that I appreciate, but I hate the herky-jerky camera work as much as the next person. Still -- on this day in 2011 -- Apollo 18 gave us a look at the real reason (wink wink) behind the end of the American exploration of the moon, and I found that definitely an entertaining bit of 'found footage.' Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Decades-old found footage from NASA's abandoned Apollo 18 mission, where two American astronauts were sent on a secret expedition, reveals the reason the U.S. has never returned to the moon."
"Decades-old found footage from NASA's abandoned Apollo 18 mission, where two American astronauts were sent on a secret expedition, reveals the reason the U.S. has never returned to the moon."
On this day in 2011 (in Japan), Doomsday Prophecy enjoyed its premiere on home video. The SciFi feature starred A.J. Buckley and genre-favorite Jewel Staite, and here's the premise compliments of IMDB.com:
"Based on the 2012 end-of-world prophesy where two unlikely characters team up to solve a mystery that just might save the world."
"Based on the 2012 end-of-world prophesy where two unlikely characters team up to solve a mystery that just might save the world."
All hail Robotropolis! Well, maybe not so much "hail" but just try not to laugh at it! Opening on this day in 2011 (in the United Kingdom, no less), Robotropolis starred Zoe Naylor and Graham Sibley, and -- according to our friends at IMDB.com -- here's what all of the fuss was about:
"A group of reporters are covering the unveiling of a new facility that is completely maintained by robot prototypes. When one of the robots goes haywire, the reporters find themselves not just reporting on the malfunction, but fighting for their lives."
"A group of reporters are covering the unveiling of a new facility that is completely maintained by robot prototypes. When one of the robots goes haywire, the reporters find themselves not just reporting on the malfunction, but fighting for their lives."
On this day in 2011 (in Brazil), The Man From The Future premiered in theatres. The Fantasy/Comedy starred Wagner Moura and Alinne Moraes, and here's the plot summary that's been provided by IMDB.com:
"Zero is a brilliant scientist. However, 20 years ago, he was publicly humiliated when he lost Helena, the love of his life. One day, an accidental experience with one of his inventions causes him to travel back in time to 1991. Having taken the opportunity to change history, Zero returns to own time to find totally changed."
"Zero is a brilliant scientist. However, 20 years ago, he was publicly humiliated when he lost Helena, the love of his life. One day, an accidental experience with one of his inventions causes him to travel back in time to 1991. Having taken the opportunity to change history, Zero returns to own time to find totally changed."
On this day in 2016, Scott Free Productions released the Artificial Intelligence thriller Morgan to the general public. The film starred Kate Mara and Anya Taylor-Joy, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A corporate risk-management consultant must decide whether or not to terminate an artificially created humanoid being."
"A corporate risk-management consultant must decide whether or not to terminate an artificially created humanoid being."
- If you want to know more, then check out SciFiHistory.Net's review of Morgan right here.
A star is born! On this day in 2016 (in the U.S.), Rogue Warrior: Robot Fighter took the battle to the enemy when it premiered for audiences in attendance of the Action On Film International Film Festival. Written and directed by Neil Johnson, the SciFi/Thriller starred Tracey Birdsall, William Kircher, and Daz Crawford. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In the distant future, humanity is overthrown by artificial intelligence on Earth and other worlds."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Rogue Warrior enjoyed a wealth of praise while playing on the film festival circuit.
ExtraExtra Alert:
I've had the good fortune of seeing Rogue Warrior: Robot Fighter when it was originally released on home video. Readers interested in knowing what I thought can find my review right here.
"In the distant future, humanity is overthrown by artificial intelligence on Earth and other worlds."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Rogue Warrior enjoyed a wealth of praise while playing on the film festival circuit.
ExtraExtra Alert:
I've had the good fortune of seeing Rogue Warrior: Robot Fighter when it was originally released on home video. Readers interested in knowing what I thought can find my review right here.
A star is born! On this day in 2016 (in Canada), The Northlander enjoyed its first theatrical exhibition ever for audiences in attendance of the Montréal World Film Festival. Written and directed by Benjamin Ross Hayden, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Corey Sevier, Roseanne Supernault, and Michelle Thrust; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In the year 2961, the time is after humanity and nature has recovered the land. A hunter named Cygnus is called to rise above his duty. He provides for Last Arc, a once nomadic band of survivors in need of food and water that is now growing scarce. The answer must be found before a group of outlandish Heretics descend upon them. Cygnus must voyage across the treacherous landscape to defend his people. Sent by Nova, the matriarch of the band, she acts based on her vision for Cygnus to find a seed of hope. The future of Last Arc is for him to discover, Cygnus ventures into a hostile landscape in search of an answer for his people. On this journey of encountering many traps and dangers, Cygnus discovers what has been hunting him is his identity."
"In the year 2961, the time is after humanity and nature has recovered the land. A hunter named Cygnus is called to rise above his duty. He provides for Last Arc, a once nomadic band of survivors in need of food and water that is now growing scarce. The answer must be found before a group of outlandish Heretics descend upon them. Cygnus must voyage across the treacherous landscape to defend his people. Sent by Nova, the matriarch of the band, she acts based on her vision for Cygnus to find a seed of hope. The future of Last Arc is for him to discover, Cygnus ventures into a hostile landscape in search of an answer for his people. On this journey of encountering many traps and dangers, Cygnus discovers what has been hunting him is his identity."
On this day in 2016, Yoga Hosers took it to the limit theatrically on behalf of all mankind. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Set in the Great White North of Canada, YOGA HOSERS tells the story of Colleen Collette and Colleen McKenzie - two teenage besties from Winnipeg who spend their lives doing Yoga with their faces in their phones, 'Liking' or 'Not Liking' the real world around them. But when these Sophomore girls are invited to a Senior party by the school hottie, the Colleens accidentally uncover an ancient evil, long buried beneath the Manitoba earth."
"Set in the Great White North of Canada, YOGA HOSERS tells the story of Colleen Collette and Colleen McKenzie - two teenage besties from Winnipeg who spend their lives doing Yoga with their faces in their phones, 'Liking' or 'Not Liking' the real world around them. But when these Sophomore girls are invited to a Senior party by the school hottie, the Colleens accidentally uncover an ancient evil, long buried beneath the Manitoba earth."
A star is born! On this day in 2017 (in Japan), the earth rumbled as Shockwave (aka 2020) hit theaters. Directed by Nick Lyon, the SciFi/Adventure starred Stacey Oristano, Rib Hillis, and Bruce Thomas; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When massive volcanic storms begin to spew from the Earth, geophysicist Kate Ferris tries to convince the Department of Defense that this is no natural phenomenon. They're the result of a seismic super weapon known as the Hell Storm device; and now that it's been activated, the shockwaves it sends out will destroy major cities across the globe, killing millions. When her claims fall on deaf ears, Kate teams up with her daughter and estranged husband at the San Andreas fault line to find a way to counteract the destruction. As Kate and her family navigate the fault, they find themselves directly at the epicenter of the largest shockwave yet. Now, in a harrowing race against the clock, Kate must figure out how to stop the shockwave before its effects seal humanity's fate once and for all."
"When massive volcanic storms begin to spew from the Earth, geophysicist Kate Ferris tries to convince the Department of Defense that this is no natural phenomenon. They're the result of a seismic super weapon known as the Hell Storm device; and now that it's been activated, the shockwaves it sends out will destroy major cities across the globe, killing millions. When her claims fall on deaf ears, Kate teams up with her daughter and estranged husband at the San Andreas fault line to find a way to counteract the destruction. As Kate and her family navigate the fault, they find themselves directly at the epicenter of the largest shockwave yet. Now, in a harrowing race against the clock, Kate must figure out how to stop the shockwave before its effects seal humanity's fate once and for all."
On this day in 1966 (in the United Kingdom), The Corridor People aired "Victim As Whitebait." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's only season on broadcast television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The investigation into the disappearance of six corpses leads to the discovery that Syrie van Epp is providing financial backing for a scientist working on raising the dead."
"The investigation into the disappearance of six corpses leads to the discovery that Syrie van Epp is providing financial backing for a scientist working on raising the dead."
On this day in 1967 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Tomb Of The Cybermen: Part 1." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Doctor, Jamie and Victoria arrive on Telos, where an archaeological group are exploring the Tomb of the Cybermen. But are the Cybermen as dormant as they believe?"
"The Doctor, Jamie and Victoria arrive on Telos, where an archaeological group are exploring the Tomb of the Cybermen. But are the Cybermen as dormant as they believe?"
On this day in 1970 (in the United Kingdom), Ace Of Wands aired "The Mind Robbers: Part 4." This served as the seventh episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TV.com:
"Fat Boy has trapped Tarot and Lulli with a deadly snake. Tarot must escape and do battle with the sinister Zandar."
"Fat Boy has trapped Tarot and Lulli with a deadly snake. Tarot must escape and do battle with the sinister Zandar."
On this day in 1978 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Ribos Operation: Part 1." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's sixteenth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Doctor is chosen for a quest by The White Guardian to go in search for the six segments to the Key to Time, that have been scattered and sent throughout the time/space continuum. With the Key to Time, The White Guardian will restore balance to the universe. Joined by a young time lady named Romana, The Doctor, Romana and K-9 Mark 2 begin their quest and arrive at their first destination, The medieval Russian like world Ribos, where a conman named Garron bids to sell Ribos to a exiled tyrant known as Graff Vynda K, where Unstoffe, Garron's assistant uncovers Garron's scheme and is unaware he is in possession of the first segment of the Key to Time."
"The Doctor is chosen for a quest by The White Guardian to go in search for the six segments to the Key to Time, that have been scattered and sent throughout the time/space continuum. With the Key to Time, The White Guardian will restore balance to the universe. Joined by a young time lady named Romana, The Doctor, Romana and K-9 Mark 2 begin their quest and arrive at their first destination, The medieval Russian like world Ribos, where a conman named Garron bids to sell Ribos to a exiled tyrant known as Graff Vynda K, where Unstoffe, Garron's assistant uncovers Garron's scheme and is unaware he is in possession of the first segment of the Key to Time."
On this day in 1994, M.A.N.T.I.S. aired "Tango Blue." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's only season of original broadcast existence, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"MANTIS starts a weapons turn-in program; only to have the weapons stolen by a band of pirates."
"MANTIS starts a weapons turn-in program; only to have the weapons stolen by a band of pirates."
On this day in 2005 (in Australia), Wicked Science aired "Superfish." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's second (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Toby has his eye fixed firmly on Jack's sister Nikki. He is desperate to impress her, but how? Given she's a swimming star, he decides his best chance is to get on the school swim team. There's only one problem - Toby's a pathetic swimmer! Toby uses wicked science to invent a body oil to help move through the water like a seal. This threatens Garth's tenuous position on the swim team and when Elizabeth learns what Toby's up to she intervenes, tampering with Toby's oil."
"Toby has his eye fixed firmly on Jack's sister Nikki. He is desperate to impress her, but how? Given she's a swimming star, he decides his best chance is to get on the school swim team. There's only one problem - Toby's a pathetic swimmer! Toby uses wicked science to invent a body oil to help move through the water like a seal. This threatens Garth's tenuous position on the swim team and when Elizabeth learns what Toby's up to she intervenes, tampering with Toby's oil."
On this day in 2007 (in Hungary), Firefly aired "Heart Of Gold." Officially, this served as the twelfth episode in the program's only season on broadcast television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A Companion-trained friend of Inara's who runs a brothel on a remote planet calls for help from Serenity when a local reveals his intentions to take the baby from a woman he impregnated."
"A Companion-trained friend of Inara's who runs a brothel on a remote planet calls for help from Serenity when a local reveals his intentions to take the baby from a woman he impregnated."
Save the cheerleader, save the world ... On this day in 2007 (in Italy), Heroes aired "Chapter 01: Genesis." Officially, this served as the program's pilot episode, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In Manhattan, Peter Petrelli is the younger brother Nathan Petrelli an overly ambitious and unscrupulous candidate for the next New York congressman, and he dreams and believes that he can fly. He decides to prove his theory and jumps from the roof of a building in an alley and his brother flies and saves him. In Texas, cheerleader Claire Bennet learns that she is literally indestructible and can not harm herself or die. She saves a fireman in a fire in a train, but does not take the credit. In Tokyo, Hiro Nakamura believes he can control time and space continuum. In India, Mohinder Suresh moves to the Brooklyn, New York, where his father, that was researching a secret project called Genesis about genome and DNA, is killed in a taxi cab. In Lower Manhattan, the painter Isaac Mendez paints pictures of the future. In Las Vegas, stripper Niki Sanders borrows $30,000 from a powerful local mobster to get her young son into school, and does not have the money to pay her loan. She sees a different image of her in the mirror, and when two gangsters come to her house to collect the money, one of them hits her and she faints. Later Nikki wakes up, and the two thugs are dead... literally torn apart by her evil alter ego."
"In Manhattan, Peter Petrelli is the younger brother Nathan Petrelli an overly ambitious and unscrupulous candidate for the next New York congressman, and he dreams and believes that he can fly. He decides to prove his theory and jumps from the roof of a building in an alley and his brother flies and saves him. In Texas, cheerleader Claire Bennet learns that she is literally indestructible and can not harm herself or die. She saves a fireman in a fire in a train, but does not take the credit. In Tokyo, Hiro Nakamura believes he can control time and space continuum. In India, Mohinder Suresh moves to the Brooklyn, New York, where his father, that was researching a secret project called Genesis about genome and DNA, is killed in a taxi cab. In Lower Manhattan, the painter Isaac Mendez paints pictures of the future. In Las Vegas, stripper Niki Sanders borrows $30,000 from a powerful local mobster to get her young son into school, and does not have the money to pay her loan. She sees a different image of her in the mirror, and when two gangsters come to her house to collect the money, one of them hits her and she faints. Later Nikki wakes up, and the two thugs are dead... literally torn apart by her evil alter ego."
On this day in 2009 (in Australia), Stormworld aired "The Long Way Home." Officially, this served as the twenty-fifth episode in the program's only season of original broadcast existence, and here's the plot summary as provided by ShareTV:
"Voss asks if the gang can help him retrieve the Arkoddian fuel reserves. Once on the Arkoddian island Voss tricks the gang by locking them in the prison."
"Voss asks if the gang can help him retrieve the Arkoddian fuel reserves. Once on the Arkoddian island Voss tricks the gang by locking them in the prison."
It all came down to this: on this day in 2009 (in Australia), Stormworld bowed out of its original broadcast existence with the airing of its series' finale, "Homeward Bound." According to our friends at ShareTV, here's the plot summary:
"Jason, Lee and Flees arrive on the Island of the Abiders. The island that holds a portal- a way off Stormworld. Others have followed. Jason may not want to leave."
"Jason, Lee and Flees arrive on the Island of the Abiders. The island that holds a portal- a way off Stormworld. Others have followed. Jason may not want to leave."
On this day in 2011, Aidan 5 aired "A Date At The Docks." Officially, this served as the tenth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Aidan and Riley's partnership may be at an end as he tracks down the man without a face."
"Aidan and Riley's partnership may be at an end as he tracks down the man without a face."
On this day in 2011 (in the U.S.), Torchwood aired "Miracle Day: The Gathering." Officially, this served as the ninth episode in the program's fourth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Whilst the CIA look in vain for traces of the three families, Esther somehow gets Jack to Scotland,from where they join Gwen and her family in Wales - as, rather surprisingly - does Oswald Danes, claiming he wants to be helpful. He has stolen Jilly Kitzinger's computer, which shows her to be going to Shanghai. After the police have raided Gwen's house and taken her father she sets out with Oswald and Jack to Shanghai, where Jilly is meeting a woman called Mother Colasanto. Esther and Rex pursue a lead in South America."
"Whilst the CIA look in vain for traces of the three families, Esther somehow gets Jack to Scotland,from where they join Gwen and her family in Wales - as, rather surprisingly - does Oswald Danes, claiming he wants to be helpful. He has stolen Jilly Kitzinger's computer, which shows her to be going to Shanghai. After the police have raided Gwen's house and taken her father she sets out with Oswald and Jack to Shanghai, where Jilly is meeting a woman called Mother Colasanto. Esther and Rex pursue a lead in South America."
On this day in 2013, Under The Dome aired "Speak Of The Devil." Officially, this served as the eleventh episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Big Jim reports to the police station as promised and convinces Linda that his stash of propane is what's saving everyone today. He tells her the biggest threat they face is from Barbie. After spending the night on the couch, Barbie tells Julia he didn't like it much and she admits she didn't much like sleeping alone either. She answers a knock at the door and comes face to face with Maxine who promptly shoots her in the chest. Barbie races to get her to the hospital. Back at the barn, Joe thinks the stars are about them but Junior runs off after failing to convince Angie they should be together. After the shooting and Junior running off, the weather turns nasty. After it clears, Joe and the others head off to the dome and see something they wish they hadn't."
"Big Jim reports to the police station as promised and convinces Linda that his stash of propane is what's saving everyone today. He tells her the biggest threat they face is from Barbie. After spending the night on the couch, Barbie tells Julia he didn't like it much and she admits she didn't much like sleeping alone either. She answers a knock at the door and comes face to face with Maxine who promptly shoots her in the chest. Barbie races to get her to the hospital. Back at the barn, Joe thinks the stars are about them but Junior runs off after failing to convince Angie they should be together. After the shooting and Junior running off, the weather turns nasty. After it clears, Joe and the others head off to the dome and see something they wish they hadn't."
