On this day back in 1962, television history was made when The Jetsons premiered its very first episode, a little bit of lunacy entitled "Rosey the Robot." The show would last three seasons, and it won over its viewers detailing the adventures and misadventures of the space age family.
Ah, there was a time when Science Fiction relied heavily on its gadgets and overall gadgetry, and such was the case with TV's Gemini Man. Premiering on this day in 1976 and lasting for all of eleven episode, Gemini Man starred Ben Murphy in the guise of 'Sam Casey,' a secret agent who found himself permanently invisible due to exposure of a special form of radiation; his agency found a means to render him visible again by use of a 'DNA stabilizer' built handily into a common wristwatch. The trick? He could still vanish for the purposes of his secret agent role but for no longer than 15 minutes in any twenty-four hour period, otherwise risking death due to the strain on his system. It was clever but not clever enough to get out of a single season on television.
Legendary character actor Walter Pidgeon -- who played Dr. Morbius in 1956's iconic Forbidden Planet -- was born on this day back in 1897. (And, kids, if you've never seen Forbidden Planet, stop what you're doing right now and go to the video store.)
As I've often said, one of the appealing traits that Science Fiction possesses is its ability to blend with practically any other genre of record. For example, 1980's Death Watch -- which starred the lovely Romy Schneider -- is as much a drama as it is SciFi in that its story uses futuristic technology to track a woman suffering a terminal illness through her decline, all for the purpose of television ratings. Though she's no longer with us, Schneider was born on this day in 1938.
Much of what Anne Randall did as an actress was in far more conventional fare, but a single appearance aboard the seminal Westworld (1973) is certainly enough to draw mention from these pages. Randall was born on this day in 1944.
Ah, those Cardassian ladies are as duplicitous as they are divine! Caroline Lagerfelt played 'Makbar' in a guest spot aboard Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. She's also garnered screen visits to The Twilight Zone, The X-Files, Minority Report (2002), and Fox TV's Gotham. Lagerfelt was born on this day in 1947. [Source: IMDB.com]
Enjoying a birthday on this date is the luscious Maren Jensen best known for her portrayal of Athena in the original TV version of Battlestar Galactica. Her character openly pined for Starbuck throughout the entire first (and only) season, and there's a part of me that hopes they still somehow ended up together! Jensen was born in 1956.
Rosalind Allen hasn't been seen all that much of late, but Science Fiction fans might recognize her from her work aboard Star Trek: The Next Generation and SeaQuest 2032. Allen was born on this day in 1957.
The lovely Rosalind Chao started out on Star Trek: The Next Generation and continued on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine when her character's husband -- Chief Myles O'Brien -- took a post there. After Trek, she's gone on to a series of roles in movies and television including Imposter (2001), The O.C., and The Event. Chao was born on this day back in 1957.
Elizabeth Peña built a career around solid performances involving smart and tough women dealing with the circumstances of whatever world her characters were deposited within. Truth be told, she didn't appear in very much genre-specific work, but she did enjoy exposure in Batteries Not Included, The Invaders, It Came From Outer Space II, and The Outer Limits. Though she's no longer with us, Peña was born on this day in 1959.
There's no doubt in my mind that actor Jason Alexander will always be fondly remember as the helplessly pathetic George Constanza on NBC's long-running Seinfeld sitcom, but allegedly the man is a confessed Trek fan as well. He whet his appetite, he took a guest role aboard Star Trek: Voyager's "Think Tank," a fifth season adventure that saw Capt. Janeway aligning with a group of problem solvers on her quest to get the crew home. Alexander was born on this day in 1959.
The venerable Chi McBride joined Will Smith in the big screen adaptation of Isaac Asimov's classic, I, Robot (2004), for 20th Century Fox Films. A fan favorite of many genres, McBride was born on this day in 1961.
Director Alex Proyas has a long career affiliated with some quality genre projects, including marshaling such projects to the screen as The Crow, Dark City, I Robot, and Knowing. Proyas was born on this day in 1963.
The delicious Jaime Bergman appeared in the direct-to-DVD monster movie Boa Vs. Python (2004). Bergman was born on this day in 1975.
Ouch! Depending upon whose version of events you choose to believe, producing partners Phil Lord and Christopher Miller "chose" to walk away from Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018), a film which performed so poorly it caused the Mouse House to rethink its entire production plan for the galaxy far, far away. Rumors persisted about the duos unprofessional approach on the set, and Ron Howard was brought in to finish the film. (For all its blemishes, Solo still works for me, though I'll agree with those who insist its story and pacing leaves a lot to be desired.) Of the two, Miller was born on this day in 1975. [Source: IMDB.com]
Some are born to be the superhero, and some are born to help them out: such is the case of Warren Kole, who can be seen as one of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s many bridge technicians aboard Marvel's The Avengers. Kole was born on this day in 1977.
Lovely Keri Lynn Pratt joined Tom Welling and the crew for several episodes of the WB's Smallville, filling in the shoes of ace reporter Cat Grant (pictured above). Pratt was born on this day in 1978.
Anthony Mackie soared to success in the role of Sam Wilson -- aka Falcon (pictured) -- in the Marvel Universe's Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Mackie was born on this day in 1978.
I first discovered Alyssa Sutherland as playing the dangerously disturbed 'Queen Aslaug' aboard History Channel's epic Vikings series, and thankfully she dipped her toes into genre projects in the guise of no less than Hollywood siren 'Hedy Lamarr' in NBC's SciFi series Timeless. Sutherland was born on this day in 1982. [Source: IMDB.com]
Quickest way to a man's heart? His stomach. Next quickest way to his heart? Cosplay. Or so I'm told! In any event, the lovely Adult film actress (or should I say temptress?) Dani Daniels certainly knows a thing or two about dressing up for show. She's also been involved in the Adult-themed flicks The XXX Adventures of Hawkman & Hawkgirl: An Extreme Comixxx Parody (2013), Spider-Man XXX 2: An Axel Braun Parody (2014), and Beauty and the Beast XXX: An Erotic Tale (2016). Plus she can throw on a 'Slave Leia' costume just for giggles. Daniels was born on this day in 1989. [Source: IMDB.com]
Being perfectly honest, I've never seen Charly (1968), the SciFi/Drama starring Cliff Robertson and Claire Bloom that was released on this day in 1968; but I have read the story -- "Flowers for Algernon" -- upon which it is based. For those unaware, here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An intellectually disabled man undergoes an experiment that gives him the intelligence of a genius."
"An intellectually disabled man undergoes an experiment that gives him the intelligence of a genius."
On this day in 1989, the SciFi/Telefilm Not Quite Human II took another stab at portraying what everyday Artificial Intelligence could look like. Directed by Eric Luke, the SciFi/Comedy starred Jay Underwood and Robyn Lively, and here's the plot summary that's provided by IMDB.com:
"Chip, the android boy is back. This time, he is off to college, suffering from a computer virus and in love with Roberta, another android. Will there be a happy ending?"
"Chip, the android boy is back. This time, he is off to college, suffering from a computer virus and in love with Roberta, another android. Will there be a happy ending?"
Mark my words: it's never safe to go back in the water! On this day in 2006, the Fantasy/Telefilm Kraken: Tentacles Of The Deep aired on television. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Thirty years ago, Ray Reiter witnessed the brutal death of his parents at sea by a strange, octopus-like creature. Now determined to exact revenge, he joins archaeologist Nicole on a perilous high-seas expedition to find a legendary Greek Opal - said to be guarded by the very beast that murdered his family. As they come face to face with the killer Kraken, they must also battle a ruthless crime lord, who will stop at nothing to seize the coveted treasure for himself."
"Thirty years ago, Ray Reiter witnessed the brutal death of his parents at sea by a strange, octopus-like creature. Now determined to exact revenge, he joins archaeologist Nicole on a perilous high-seas expedition to find a legendary Greek Opal - said to be guarded by the very beast that murdered his family. As they come face to face with the killer Kraken, they must also battle a ruthless crime lord, who will stop at nothing to seize the coveted treasure for himself."
On this day in 2008, Death Racers enjoyed its release in the U.S. home video marketplace. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a dystopian future, contestants compete in a cross-country road race in which killing is part of the game."
"In a dystopian future, contestants compete in a cross-country road race in which killing is part of the game."
On this day in 2016, the 2014-produced Beauty And The Beast enjoyed its U.S. release. The Fantasy starred Vincent Cassel and Léa Seydoux, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"An unexpected romance blooms after the the youngest daughter of a merchant who has fallen on hard times offers herself to the mysterious beast to which her father has become indebted."
"An unexpected romance blooms after the the youngest daughter of a merchant who has fallen on hard times offers herself to the mysterious beast to which her father has become indebted."
On this day in 2016 (in the Netherlands), society-at-large was treated to yet another view of the Apocalypse with Daylight's End. It starred Johnny Strong and Lance Henriksen, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Years after a mysterious plague has devastated the planet and turned most of humanity into blood-hungry creatures, a rogue drifter on a vengeful hunt stumbles across a band of survivors in an abandoned police station and reluctantly agrees to try to help them defend themselves and escape to the sanctuary they so desperately need."
"Years after a mysterious plague has devastated the planet and turned most of humanity into blood-hungry creatures, a rogue drifter on a vengeful hunt stumbles across a band of survivors in an abandoned police station and reluctantly agrees to try to help them defend themselves and escape to the sanctuary they so desperately need."
Back in 1963, The Outer Limits was only first finding itself. Its second episode, "The Hundred Days of the Dragon," premiered on this day back then, and here's the summary from IMDB.com:
"The election draws near and William Lyons Selby seems destined to win. Elsewhere, the communist nation of dictator Li Kwan has achieved a remarkable breakthrough: a serum that renders human flesh plastic. A simple injection and a process of molding allows an agent to quietly murder Selby and take his place! America has elected a spy to the highest office in that nation. Selby's daughter and his aide suspect all is not right, but have no idea what the real problem is. One thing seems certain: if they can't find out soon, the problem of "who's who" is sure to widen, and America will fall to an insidious enemy without firing a shot..."
"The election draws near and William Lyons Selby seems destined to win. Elsewhere, the communist nation of dictator Li Kwan has achieved a remarkable breakthrough: a serum that renders human flesh plastic. A simple injection and a process of molding allows an agent to quietly murder Selby and take his place! America has elected a spy to the highest office in that nation. Selby's daughter and his aide suspect all is not right, but have no idea what the real problem is. One thing seems certain: if they can't find out soon, the problem of "who's who" is sure to widen, and America will fall to an insidious enemy without firing a shot..."
On this day in 1967 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Tomb Of The Cybermen: Part 4." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Klieg attempts to do a deal with the Cybercontroller while the Doctor tries to find a way to refreeze the Cybermen permanently."
"Klieg attempts to do a deal with the Cybercontroller while the Doctor tries to find a way to refreeze the Cybermen permanently."
On this day in 1970, Ace Of Wands aired "Now You See It, Now You Don't: Part 2." This served as the ninth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TV.com:
"Falk has imprisoned Lulli and Sam in his houseboat. Tarot must prevent him from putting his diabolical plan into effect."
"Falk has imprisoned Lulli and Sam in his houseboat. Tarot must prevent him from putting his diabolical plan into effect."
On this day in 1973, Moonbase 3 aired "Achilles Heel." This served as the third episode in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"While Caulder is pressurised to deliver results from Moonbase 3's research programme under threat of budget cuts, the CORA radio astronomy project is thrown into disarray by a series of accidents. As the situation develops it becomes apparent that one of the three CORA scientists - Adam Blaney, Bill Knight and Kate Weyman - is suffering from a mental breakdown and is sabotaging the project."
"While Caulder is pressurised to deliver results from Moonbase 3's research programme under threat of budget cuts, the CORA radio astronomy project is thrown into disarray by a series of accidents. As the situation develops it becomes apparent that one of the three CORA scientists - Adam Blaney, Bill Knight and Kate Weyman - is suffering from a mental breakdown and is sabotaging the project."
It all began right here: on this day in 1976, Gemini Man launched its first (and only) season after hitting the airwaves the previous spring with a popular telefilm. The first episode was titled "Smithereens," and here's the plot summary compliments of TV.com:
"Sam is assigned to drive a truck transporting a secret fuel booster that can triple fuel economy in cars, along with the man who developed it. Not only is the additive dangerously unstable and explosive, the scientist has sold out to the oil industry and is now trying to eliminate Sam and all evidence of the chemical."
"Sam is assigned to drive a truck transporting a secret fuel booster that can triple fuel economy in cars, along with the man who developed it. Not only is the additive dangerously unstable and explosive, the scientist has sold out to the oil industry and is now trying to eliminate Sam and all evidence of the chemical."
On this day back in 1977, the TV show Logan's Run premiered "The Collectors," an episode wherein Logan and Jessica believes they've finally reached Sanctuary. Could it be true? (Hint: probably not!)
On this day in 1978, Doctor Who aired "The Ribos Operation: Part 4." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's sixteenth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Doctor returns to the city to keep an eye on the Graff, leaving Romana, K9 and Garron to search for Unstoffe and the first segment.However, Garron double crosses them and steals the tracer."
"The Doctor returns to the city to keep an eye on the Graff, leaving Romana, K9 and Garron to search for Unstoffe and the first segment.However, Garron double crosses them and steals the tracer."
Does anyone remember Jason of Star Command? I sure do. I can remember having a lot of fun with the program was in the late '70's. On this day back in 1978, the episode "Escape from Dragos" premiered, and the story saw Jason and Commander Canarvin escaping from some galactic prison.
On this day in 1984 (in the United Kingdom), Terrahawks aired "Operation S.A.S." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When Yung Star seizes his chance to fly to Earth, Zelda makes him take Yuri the Space Bear along with him. Later, Kate is captured and Ninestein decides that it will take an SAS-type operation to rescue her."
"When Yung Star seizes his chance to fly to Earth, Zelda makes him take Yuri the Space Bear along with him. Later, Kate is captured and Ninestein decides that it will take an SAS-type operation to rescue her."
On this day in 1986, The Adventures of the Galaxy Rangers aired "Wildfire." This (technically) served as the program's seventh episode (the episodes were aired wildly out of order), and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"While transporting some highly volatile isotopes, the Rangers encounter Wildfire. A rogue whose wanted in by several governments and criminals. With their engines damaged, the Rangers have to find a way who will stop at nothing to get Wildfire."
"While transporting some highly volatile isotopes, the Rangers encounter Wildfire. A rogue whose wanted in by several governments and criminals. With their engines damaged, the Rangers have to find a way who will stop at nothing to get Wildfire."
Meanwhile -- in TV syndication back in 1989 -- Star Trek: The Next Generation's third season premiered with an episode titled "Evolution." Here's the (edited) plot summary, compliments of IMDB.com:
"The Enterprise is carrying an eminent scientist, Dr. Paul Stubbs, to the site of a binary star where they are expecting a massive stellar explosion to occur in a few hours. He has been waiting many years for this to occur and has devoted his entire life to its study. The Enterprise however begins to suffer from a series of malfunctions, some minor but others far more serious."
"The Enterprise is carrying an eminent scientist, Dr. Paul Stubbs, to the site of a binary star where they are expecting a massive stellar explosion to occur in a few hours. He has been waiting many years for this to occur and has devoted his entire life to its study. The Enterprise however begins to suffer from a series of malfunctions, some minor but others far more serious."
On this day in 1994, The X-Files aired "The Host." This served as the second episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Mulder pursues a humanoid, parasitic organism that uses sewage systems as its home."
"Mulder pursues a humanoid, parasitic organism that uses sewage systems as its home."
On this day in 2000, Batman Beyond aired "Untouchable." This served as the second episode of the program's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Batman hunts for a mysterious criminal with a personal repulsion field and one of the occupants of a medical research lab may be that person."
"Batman hunts for a mysterious criminal with a personal repulsion field and one of the occupants of a medical research lab may be that person."
On this day in 2000, the animated Max Steel aired "Spear-Carriers." This served as the sixth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by DailyMotion.Com:
"Max Steel and his team are introduced to their new mobile base called ‘The Behemoth’ to investigate several aircrafts being hijack at midair."
"Max Steel and his team are introduced to their new mobile base called ‘The Behemoth’ to investigate several aircrafts being hijack at midair."
On this day in 2002 (in the United Kingdom), Farscape premiered "Crichton Kicks." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's fourth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Crichton, now aboard a dying leviathan named Elac, encounters an alien named Sikozu who aids him in stopping the Grudeks who are intent on obtaining toubray (Leviathan neural cluster tissue)."
"Crichton, now aboard a dying leviathan named Elac, encounters an alien named Sikozu who aids him in stopping the Grudeks who are intent on obtaining toubray (Leviathan neural cluster tissue)."
On this day in 2008, Syfy's Eureka aired "From Fear To Eternity." This served as the eighth episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"All of Eva Thorne's secrets are revealed when she pushes for early destruction of the bunker. Zoe begins to experience the effect of the substance in which she slipped, leaving Carter to risk his life and job in order to save her."
"All of Eva Thorne's secrets are revealed when she pushes for early destruction of the bunker. Zoe begins to experience the effect of the substance in which she slipped, leaving Carter to risk his life and job in order to save her."
On this day in 2008, the Fringe Division was just getting started, and the show aired the third episode of its first season. The hour was titled "The Ghost Network," and here's the (edited) plot summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"The team investigates a young man, Roy McComb, who seems to have the ability to predict major incidents before they happen. When they search his apartment, they find drawings and models of a variety of attacks, including the flight from Germany. In the most recent incident, a bus load of people are gassed and a bag stolen from an undercover narcotics agent."
"The team investigates a young man, Roy McComb, who seems to have the ability to predict major incidents before they happen. When they search his apartment, they find drawings and models of a variety of attacks, including the flight from Germany. In the most recent incident, a bus load of people are gassed and a bag stolen from an undercover narcotics agent."
On this day in 2010 (in Hungary), Doctor Who aired "The Poison Sky." Officially, this served as the fifth episode in the re-launched program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"With planet Earth choking under the poison sky, the Doctor must stop the Sontarans' threat to the planet."
"With planet Earth choking under the poison sky, the Doctor must stop the Sontarans' threat to the planet."
On this day in 2011, Fox TV's Fringe came back from its third season finale with the premiere of its fourth, an hour titled "Neither Here Nor There." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Just one week after Peter Bishop saved the day and was then wiped from existence, the truce between the two worlds remains intact and the two sides are forced to work together. Lincoln Lee joins the Fringe team as they investigate a shapeshifter case that is very personal to him."
"Just one week after Peter Bishop saved the day and was then wiped from existence, the truce between the two worlds remains intact and the two sides are forced to work together. Lincoln Lee joins the Fringe team as they investigate a shapeshifter case that is very personal to him."
On this day in 2011, Star Wars: The Clone Wars aired "Prisoners." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Only Prince Lee-Char and Padawan Ahsoka Tano have escaped capture and must find a way to free their comrades as well as the entire planet from the impending rule of Riff Tamson."
"Only Prince Lee-Char and Padawan Ahsoka Tano have escaped capture and must find a way to free their comrades as well as the entire planet from the impending rule of Riff Tamson."
On this day in 2014, TV's Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. aired "Shadows." This served as the first episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Carl Creel is sent after an item that was stolen from Hydra during WWII. Fitz tries to cope with his mental issues."
"Carl Creel is sent after an item that was stolen from Hydra during WWII. Fitz tries to cope with his mental issues."
