On this day in 1976 (in the U.S.), police work went a little 'high tech' with the television premiere of Holmes & Yoyo, the procedural adventures of a grizzled police veteran and his android counterpart. This was largely a SciFi premise played chiefly for laughs -- Yoyo's cybernetic interface looked little more than a bloated desktop calendar -- and, as such, came and went as quickly as shows based on gimmicks due. Still, it was great to watch a young John Schuck as the robot years before he took the role of the Klingon Ambassador for the Star Trek feature films. Here's the premise as provided by IMDB.com:
"The cases of a hard luck police detective and his android partner."
"The cases of a hard luck police detective and his android partner."
Think what you may but NBC's Heroes was best in its infancy. Premiering on this day in 2006 (in the U.S.), the program introduced viewers to a whole new world out there where ordinary folks were somehow uncovering their extraordinary abilities. Not only that, but somehow Fate or the universe was conspiring to bring them all together -- perhaps for one epic face-off -- and no one knew what to expect when that would happen. As the program wore on through its second and third seasons, it becoming increasingly disjointing, giving many viewers the impression that showrunners had no true mythological center ... but when it was good it was very good, indeed, and its first season should be required viewing for every fan of the superhero genre. Here's the premise as provided by IMDB.com:
"Common people discover that they have super powers. Their lives intertwine as a devastating event must be prevented."
For the record:
"Common people discover that they have super powers. Their lives intertwine as a devastating event must be prevented."
For the record:
- At the 2007 Saturn Awards, Heroes garnered a respectable amount of attention. Both series' regulars Hayden Panettiere and Ali Larter were recognized in the 'Best Supporting Actress On Television' category with Panettiere taking home the trophy. Actors Greg Grunberg and Masi Oka were recognized in the 'Best Supporting Actor On Television' category with Oka taking home the big win. Also, the program won the much coveted 'Best Network Television Series' award.
- At the 2008 Saturn Awards, Panettiere, Oka, and Grunberg were again nominated in the respective categories, but all failed to take home the trophy. Also, the show had to settle for the honor of a nomination alone in the category of 'Best Network Television Series.'
- At the 2009 Saturn Awards, actor Adrian Pasdar won the top honor in the category of 'Best Supporting Actor On Television' category. Along with a few other acting nominations (but loses), the show also had to settle for the honor of a nomination alone in the 'Best Network Television Series' category.
- Finally, Heroes limped into its final season, and -- for the 2010 Saturn Awards -- actress Panettiere again earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Supporting Actress On Television' (yet lost) as did the show in the 'Best Network Television Series' (yet also lost).
The late Aldo Ray (above left) built a cinema legacy of appearances in over one hundred different projects. Science Fiction fans might recognize him best as 'The Inquisitor' from 1987's campy Star Slammer. Other appearances include stops to such enterprises as Psychic Killer (1975), Haunts (1976), Haunted (1977), Death Dimension (1978), Don't Go Near The Park (1979), Bog (1979), Human Experiments (1979), The Secret Of NIMH (1982), Mongrel (1982), Dark Sanity (1982), Vultures (1984), Frankenstein's Great Aunt Tillie (1984), Biohazard (1985), Evils Of The Night (1985), Terror On Alcatraz (1987), Night Shadow (1989), Terror Night (1989), and Shock 'Em Dead (1991). Though he's no longer with us, Ray was born on this day in 1926.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2017, I received a promotional DVD of Star Slammer (1987) from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2017, I received a promotional DVD of Star Slammer (1987) from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
Besides cigars and rum, one of the best things to come out of Cuba was the bombshell actress Louisa Moritz. As tends to happen with bombshells, Louisa drew the attention of Hollywood fairly quickly upon her arrival in the United States, and genre fans perhaps know her best as Sly Stallone's driving accomplice aboard the Roger Corman SciFi/Comedy Death Race 2000 (1975). Though she's no longer with us, Moritz was born on this day in 1936.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Screen veteran Michael Douglas hopped aboard the Marvel Cinematic Universe with a plumb starring role in 2015's Ant-Man. Douglas was born on this day in 1944.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Felicity Kendal enjoyed a guest spot aboard "The Unicorn And The Wasp," a 2008 episode of the BBC's popular Doctor Who. Kendal was born on this day in 1946.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Model and actress Cheryl Tiegs took time out of her schedule for an appearance in the wide, wide world of the Sharknado telefilm franchise. Tiegs was born on this day in 1947.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Caroline Kava played a space-based medical professional who joined Dr. Beverly Crusher in resolving a medical dilemma afflicting Commander Worf aboard an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation. The actress has also visited the universes of Max Headroom, Quantum Leap, and Fox TV's long-running The X-Files. Kava was born on this day in 1949.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Growing up, who didn't want to be Luke Skywalker? I'll tell you who: Mark Hamill. Why not? Well, that's simple: he IS Luke Skywalker. Well, it's probably more accurate to say that Mark Hamill is the only one of us who can claim that he got to play Luke Skywalker for real. Rumor has it that Hamill will be reprising his role in the upcoming flick from Lucasfilm and the Walt Disney company, so fans might definitely be clamoring for more adventures with the Skywalker family if the actor can set aside his vicious and destructive politics. Hamill was born on this day back in 1951.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Folks are free to debate who their favorite Superman is, but my money still remains on the late, great Christopher Reeve. He imbued both Clark Kent and Kalel with just the right balance of charisma and curiosity, so much so that he reprised the role in three sequels -- the last two of which were pretty awful. Though he's no longer with us, Chris was born on this day back in 1952.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Michael Madsen was only one of the team of special agents bent on stopping the alien Sil from perpetrating her sexual horror on all of mankind in 1995's Species. He returned for more action in Species II (1998). Madsen was born on this day in 1957.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The sexier-than-should-be-legally-allowed Heather Locklear dipped her lovely toes into the realm of Fantasy with a prominent role aboard The Return Of Swamp Thing (1989). Locklear was born on this day in 1961.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actress Beth Toussaint had a small but memorable guest role aboard Star Trek: The Next Generation when she appeared as the rumored sister of the fallen crewmate Tasha Yar. As for science fiction, she's also served on Babylon 5 and been incarcerated in Fortress 2. Toussaint was born on this day in 1962.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Early in his acting career, Tate Donovan braved the Final Frontier with a group of young'uns at the command of a wayward Space Shuttle in 1986's SpaceCamp. Donovan was born on this day in 1963.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2017, I received a promotional copy of SpaceCamp (1986) in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2017, I received a promotional copy of SpaceCamp (1986) in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
Swedish-born Mikael Persbrandt brought to life 'Beorn' in Peter Jackson's cinematic three-part adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit. Persbrandt was born on this day in 1963.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Early in her professional career, Anita Barone paid a visit to the original incarnation of NBC's time travel series Quantum Leap. As for other genre appearances? She visited the property of Beyond Belief: Fact Or Fiction in a guest role. Barone was born on this day in 1964.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Maria Doyle Kennedy (above left) is never that far from the clone-inspired conspiracy at the heart of the BBC's popular SciFi drama Orphan Black. She also played a role in 2015's underwhelming Jupiter Ascending. Kennedy was born on this day in 1964.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Jason Flemyng played Azazel (pictured above) in the 2011 box office hit X-Men: First Class which kinda/sorta served to loosely reboot the whole X-Men cinematic universe. Flemyng was born on this day in 1966.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Born on this day back in 1968, Will Smith has put his own indelible stamp on science fiction and fantasy filming, headlining such pictures as Independence Day, Men In Black, I Am Legend, and I, Robot.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Catherine Zeta-Jones has definitely flirted with some quality genre projects, but the Fantasy-themed adaptation of The Phantom (1996) is probably nearest and dearest to what fans love. Zeta-Jones was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The talented David Benioff is only one of the producers, directors, and screenwriters behind HBO's thrilling adaptation of Game Of Thrones. Benioff was born on this day in 1970.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Proving she had what it takes to go one-on-one with the galaxy's toughest fighters, the lovely Bridgette Wilson brought the character of 'Sonya Blade' to life in Mortal Kombat (1995). Wilson was born on this day in 1973.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
If IMDB.com is to be trusted, then it would seem that the lovely Charlotte Ayanna got her start aboard the SciFi/Comedy series Weird Science back in its day. Other genre appearances include work aboard such projects as Profiler, The Rage: Carrie 2 (1999), The Thirst (2006), and The Insatiable (2006). Ayanna was born on this day in 1976.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Clea DuVall did some great work as part of the ensemble at the heart of HBO's wildly atmospheric Carnivale. She followed that up with a great turn as an FBI Agent on Heroes, as well as a string of smaller roles including a stint aboard NBC's The Event. And lest we not forget her role in John Carpenter's Ghosts of Mars? DuVall was born on this day in 1977.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In 2009, actor Joel David Moore joined Sam Worthington and director James Cameron on a deep space trip into the wild, woolly, and wacky world of Avatar. Moore was born on this day in 1977.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2024, I received a complimentary Blu-ray of Hatchet (2006) -- in which Moore played a central role -- from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2024, I received a complimentary Blu-ray of Hatchet (2006) -- in which Moore played a central role -- from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
Rossif Sutherland enjoyed a pair of appearances aboard Syfy's signature SciFi/Drama The Expanse while it was on the cable channel. Sutherland was born on this day in 1978.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Chris Owen found himself facing forces beyond his control and belief aboard The Mist (2007). He also enjoyed small roles aboard VR5 and Good Vs Evil. Owen was born on this day in 1980.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
T.I. enjoyed work aboard both Ant-Man (2015) and its follow-up, Ant-Man And The Wasp (2018). T.I. was born on this day in 1980.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Funnyman Donald Glover tempered his best instincts for his role aboard Ridley Scott's The Martian (2015). Then he brought a young 'Lando Calrissian' to life aboard Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018). Glover was born on this day in 1983.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Not even Zach Woods could salvage the wreck that was the Ghostbusters (2016) reboot. Otherwise, the actor sticks to much more conventional fare. Woods was born on this day in 1984.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
As much as I enjoy the BBC's clone drama Orphan Black, I really don't much care for Jordan Gavaris's character 'Felix Dawkins' (pictured in some jeopardy above); he's a bit too stereotypical for my tastes. Gavaris was born on this day in 1989.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
A star is born! On this day in 1924 (in the former Soviet Union), Aelita: Queen Of Mars enjoyed its theatrical premiere. Directed by Yakov Protazanov, the SciFi/Fantasy feature starred Yuliya Solntseva, Igor Ilyinsky, and Vera Orlova. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A mysterious radio message is beamed around the world, and among the engineers who receive it are Los, the hero, and his colleague Spiridonov. Los is an individualist dreamer. Aelita is the daughter of Tuskub, the ruler of a totalitarian state on Mars in which the working class are put into cold storage when they are not needed. With a telescope, Aelita is able to watch Los. As if by telepathy, Los obsesses about being watched by her. After some hugger-mugger involving the murder of his wife and a pursuing detective, Los takes the identity of Spiridonov and builds a spaceship. With the revolutionary Gusev, he travels to Mars, but the Earthlings and Aelita are thrown into prison by the dictator. Gusev and Los begin a proletarian uprising, and Aelita offers to lead the revolution, but she then establishes her own totalitarian regime. Los is shocked by this development and attempts to stop Aelita, and then reality and fantasy become confused, and Los discovers what has really happened."
"A mysterious radio message is beamed around the world, and among the engineers who receive it are Los, the hero, and his colleague Spiridonov. Los is an individualist dreamer. Aelita is the daughter of Tuskub, the ruler of a totalitarian state on Mars in which the working class are put into cold storage when they are not needed. With a telescope, Aelita is able to watch Los. As if by telepathy, Los obsesses about being watched by her. After some hugger-mugger involving the murder of his wife and a pursuing detective, Los takes the identity of Spiridonov and builds a spaceship. With the revolutionary Gusev, he travels to Mars, but the Earthlings and Aelita are thrown into prison by the dictator. Gusev and Los begin a proletarian uprising, and Aelita offers to lead the revolution, but she then establishes her own totalitarian regime. Los is shocked by this development and attempts to stop Aelita, and then reality and fantasy become confused, and Los discovers what has really happened."
On this day in 1944 (in Sweden), Weird Woman brought and delivered her weird ways to the box office. Reginald Le Borg directed this adaptation of the Fritz Leiber Jr. novel ("Conjure Wife"), and the Horror/Fantasy starred Lon Chaney Jr., Anne Gwynne, and Evelyn Ankers. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"While on a South Seas trip, a professor falls in love and marries an exotic native woman. What he doesn't know is that she was raised by superstitious natives who believe her to be some kind of supernatural being."
"While on a South Seas trip, a professor falls in love and marries an exotic native woman. What he doesn't know is that she was raised by superstitious natives who believe her to be some kind of supernatural being."
A star is born ... and it's a bit magical, no? On this day in 1946 (in France), Beauty And The Beast enjoyed its first theatrical exhibition ever when it played for audiences in attendance of the Cannes Film Festival. Directed by Jean Cocteau and René Clément, the cinematic Fantasy starred Jean Marais, Josette Day, and Mila Parély. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A beautiful young woman takes her father's place as the prisoner of a mysterious beast, who wishes to marry her."
For the record:
To the film's credit, this incarnation of Beauty And The Beast enjoyed a bit of praise from screenings of the film festival circuit.
"A beautiful young woman takes her father's place as the prisoner of a mysterious beast, who wishes to marry her."
For the record:
To the film's credit, this incarnation of Beauty And The Beast enjoyed a bit of praise from screenings of the film festival circuit.
On this day in 1953 (in London), It Came From Outer Space and touched down into local theaters. Based on a story from Ray Bradbury, the SciFi feature was directed by Jack Arnold and starred Richard Carlson, Barbara Rush, and Charles Drake. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A spaceship from another world crashes in the Arizona desert and only an amateur stargazer and a schoolteacher suspect alien influence when the local townsfolk begin to act strangely."
For the record:
The groundbreaking SciFi film enjoyed a Hugo Award nomination in 1954 in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.' And -- fFor those who love this sort of trivia -- it's interesting to note that Ms. Rush would go on to win the Golden Globe in 1954 for 'Most Promising Newcomer - Female.'
"A spaceship from another world crashes in the Arizona desert and only an amateur stargazer and a schoolteacher suspect alien influence when the local townsfolk begin to act strangely."
For the record:
The groundbreaking SciFi film enjoyed a Hugo Award nomination in 1954 in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.' And -- fFor those who love this sort of trivia -- it's interesting to note that Ms. Rush would go on to win the Golden Globe in 1954 for 'Most Promising Newcomer - Female.'
On this day in 1956 (in Japan), Forbidden Planet enjoyed its release in theaters. Directed by Fred M. Wilcox, the feature film starred Leslie Nielsen, Anne Francis, and Walter Pidgeon; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A starship crew in the 23rd century goes to investigate the silence of a distant planet's colony, only to find just two survivors, a powerful robot, and the deadly secret of a lost civilization."
For the record:
"A starship crew in the 23rd century goes to investigate the silence of a distant planet's colony, only to find just two survivors, a powerful robot, and the deadly secret of a lost civilization."
For the record:
- At the 1957 Academy Awards, the film's Special Effects enjoyed a nomination for the trophy, but the film lost out to The Ten Commandments.
- In 2007, a new home video release was nominated for the Saturn Award in the category of 'Best DVD Classic Film Release.'
- In 2013, the National Film Preservation Board inducted the flick into the National Film Registry, the U.S. organization that selects only 25 films annually to preserve them for their cultural, aesthetic, and historical contribution to the arts.
On this day in 1956 (in Argentina), When Worlds Collide enjoyed its theatrical release. Directed by Rudolph Mate and produced by the legendary George Pal, the SciFi/Drama starred Richard Derr, Barbara Rush, and Peter Hansen; and here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"As a new star and planet hurtle toward a doomed Earth, a small group of survivalists frantically work to complete the rocket which will take them to their new home."
For the record:
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2024, I received an all-new home video release of When Worlds Collide (1951) from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
"As a new star and planet hurtle toward a doomed Earth, a small group of survivalists frantically work to complete the rocket which will take them to their new home."
For the record:
- Without a doubt, When Worlds Collide remains one of the best regarded films of the 1950's, a period when Science Fiction films were truly introduced as part of the Hollywood studio process. It's been said that this film was somewhat rushed into production based on the success of Pal's earlier Destination Moon (1950).
- At the 1952 Oscars Awards, When Worlds Collide took home the trophy for 'Best Effects, Special Effects.' It was also nominated for (but loss) the award for 'Best Cinematography, Color.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2024, I received an all-new home video release of When Worlds Collide (1951) from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
On this day in 1965 (in Sweden), someone pointed out a theatrical Crack In The World! Directed by Andrew Marton from a story by Jon Manchip White and Julian Zimet, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Dana Andrews. Janette Scott, and Kieron Moore. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A dying scientist pushes forward his project to tap through to the Earth's magma layer, with results that threaten to destroy the Earth as we know it."
"A dying scientist pushes forward his project to tap through to the Earth's magma layer, with results that threaten to destroy the Earth as we know it."
On this day in 1974, The Mutations served up a severely mutated vision. Directed by Jack Cardiff from a script by Robert D. Weinbach and Edward Mann, the SciFi/Horror starred Donald Pleasence, Tom Baker, and Brad Harris. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A scientist experiments with crossing humans and plants, for which he uses his students."
"A scientist experiments with crossing humans and plants, for which he uses his students."
On this day in 1979 (in Spain, mainly on the plain), Alien sunk its teeth into audiences. With a screenplay from Dan O'Bannon and directed by Ridley Scott, the feature film starred Sigourney Weaver, Tom Skerritt, and Ian Holm; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In the distant future, the crew of the commercial spaceship Nostromo are on their way home when they pick up a distress call from a distant moon. The crew are under obligation to investigate and the spaceship descends on the moon afterwards. After a rough landing, three crew members leave the spaceship to explore the area on the moon. At the same time as they discover a hive colony of some unknown creature, the ship's computer deciphers the message to be a warning, not a distress call. When one of the eggs is disturbed, the crew realizes that they are not alone on the spaceship and they must deal with the consequences."
For the record:
The original Alien was a film that I was a bit slow to love. I thought it was brilliant, but I honestly felt its 'rewatchability' was a bit low: once you knew where all the scares were, then the effect is pretty much lost. However, I gave it many, many, many second chances ... and it still manages to scare me all of these years later. In fact, I think Alien and Aliens are the only two films in all of the series that I truly am frightened by the Xenomorphs. And, of course, I'd be a fool if I failed to mention that the original won the coveted Oscar for 'Best Special Effects' in 1980. Like a great film should, Alien continues to resonate today, as I suspect will be the case for years to come.
"In the distant future, the crew of the commercial spaceship Nostromo are on their way home when they pick up a distress call from a distant moon. The crew are under obligation to investigate and the spaceship descends on the moon afterwards. After a rough landing, three crew members leave the spaceship to explore the area on the moon. At the same time as they discover a hive colony of some unknown creature, the ship's computer deciphers the message to be a warning, not a distress call. When one of the eggs is disturbed, the crew realizes that they are not alone on the spaceship and they must deal with the consequences."
For the record:
The original Alien was a film that I was a bit slow to love. I thought it was brilliant, but I honestly felt its 'rewatchability' was a bit low: once you knew where all the scares were, then the effect is pretty much lost. However, I gave it many, many, many second chances ... and it still manages to scare me all of these years later. In fact, I think Alien and Aliens are the only two films in all of the series that I truly am frightened by the Xenomorphs. And, of course, I'd be a fool if I failed to mention that the original won the coveted Oscar for 'Best Special Effects' in 1980. Like a great film should, Alien continues to resonate today, as I suspect will be the case for years to come.
On this day in 1980 (in Belgium), Death Watch tuned in for social commentary via Science Fiction. Bernard Tavernier both directed and helped adapt the David Compton novel ("The Continuous Katherine Mortenhoe, Or The Unsleeping Eye") for the silver screen, and the project starred Romy Schneider, Harvey Keitel, and Harry Dean Stanton. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a future where dying of illness is exceedingly rare, a terminally ill woman becomes a celebrity and a man with camera implants goes to secretly record her for a morbid TV show."
For the record:
As well as garnering some praise from various festival screenings, Death Watch enjoyed five nominations (but no wins) at the 1981 César Awards, the highest film honor possible in that country ("Best Screenplay, Original or Adaptation," "Best Music," "Best Cinematography," 'Best Editing," and "Best Sound").
"In a future where dying of illness is exceedingly rare, a terminally ill woman becomes a celebrity and a man with camera implants goes to secretly record her for a morbid TV show."
For the record:
As well as garnering some praise from various festival screenings, Death Watch enjoyed five nominations (but no wins) at the 1981 César Awards, the highest film honor possible in that country ("Best Screenplay, Original or Adaptation," "Best Music," "Best Cinematography," 'Best Editing," and "Best Sound").
A star is born! On this day in 1981, The Boogens came up from the depths to munch on mankind. Directed by James L. Conway, the SciFi/Horror feature starred Rebecca Balding, Anne-Marie Martin, and Fred McCarren. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Otherworldly creatures are released from the bootleg tunnels underneath a small-town mining community, and begin chomping on the locals."
ExtraExtra Alert:
In early 2024, I had the good fortune of receiving a complimentary Blu-ray of The Boogens (1981) in exchange for a review on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested in my thoughts on the film? Readers can find my review right here.
"Otherworldly creatures are released from the bootleg tunnels underneath a small-town mining community, and begin chomping on the locals."
ExtraExtra Alert:
In early 2024, I had the good fortune of receiving a complimentary Blu-ray of The Boogens (1981) in exchange for a review on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested in my thoughts on the film? Readers can find my review right here.
On this day in 1985 (in France), Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome enjoyed its theatrical release. Directed by George Miller and George Ogilvie, the SciFi/Thriller saw Mel Gibson returning as Max himself -- his third and final outing in the role -- along with Tina Turner and Bruce Spence. Here's the plot summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"After being exiled from the most advanced town in post apocalyptic Australia, a drifter travels with a group of abandoned children to rebel against the town's queen."
For the record:
The third film in the Mad Max saga was not without its praises. At the 1986 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), the flick enjoyed four nominations (but no wins): 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Writing,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"After being exiled from the most advanced town in post apocalyptic Australia, a drifter travels with a group of abandoned children to rebel against the town's queen."
For the record:
The third film in the Mad Max saga was not without its praises. At the 1986 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), the flick enjoyed four nominations (but no wins): 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Writing,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
A star is born! On this day in 1987 (in the U.S.), Blue Monkey (aka Insect) enjoyed its theatrical debut. Directed by William Fruet from a script written by George Goldsmith and Chris Koseluk, the SciFi/Horror starred Steve Railsback, Gwynyth Walsh, and Ivan E. Roth. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Detective Jim Bishop and Dr. Rachel Carson must find a way to stop a giant monstrous insect that's eating people in her quarantined hospital before it procreates and spreads a deadly infection it's carrying."
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2021, I had the good fortune of receiving a complimentary Blu-ray of Blue Monkey via a distributor relationship I've established. Interested in knowing what I thought of the film? You can find the review right here.
"Detective Jim Bishop and Dr. Rachel Carson must find a way to stop a giant monstrous insect that's eating people in her quarantined hospital before it procreates and spreads a deadly infection it's carrying."
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2021, I had the good fortune of receiving a complimentary Blu-ray of Blue Monkey via a distributor relationship I've established. Interested in knowing what I thought of the film? You can find the review right here.
On this day in 1987 (in Finland), Critters took a bite out of the theatrical competition. Written (in part) and directed by Stephen Herek, the SciFi/Horror starred Dee Wallace, M. Emmet Walsh, and Billy Green Bush. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A race of small, furry aliens make lunch out of the locals in a farming town."
For the record:
To the film's credit, the original Critters featured Scott Grimes in a role, and he enjoyed a Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor.'
"A race of small, furry aliens make lunch out of the locals in a farming town."
For the record:
To the film's credit, the original Critters featured Scott Grimes in a role, and he enjoyed a Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor.'
On this day in 1987 (in West Germany), Mutant enjoyed its release on home video. Directed by Mark Rosman and John 'Bud' Cardos, the SciFi/Horror starred Wings Hauser, Bo Hopkins, and Jody Medford. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Two brothers discover that the residents of a small Southern town are being infected by a form of toxic waste, turning them into blood-ravenous zombies."
"Two brothers discover that the residents of a small Southern town are being infected by a form of toxic waste, turning them into blood-ravenous zombies."
A star is born! On this day in 1987 (in the U.S.), Real Men brought a bit of Comedy to audiences with a SciFi twist. Written and directed by Dennis Feldman, the motion picture starred Jim Belushi, John Ritter, and Barbara Barrie. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A womanizing CIA agent and an insecure insurance agent are paired together to make sure a deal goes through with aliens for the future of mankind."
"A womanizing CIA agent and an insecure insurance agent are paired together to make sure a deal goes through with aliens for the future of mankind."
On this day in 1992 (in Hong Kong, Hungary, and Portugal), Universal Soldier brough the battle to the realm of Science Fiction. Directed by Roland Emmerich, the SciFi/Thriller starred Jean-Claude Van Damme, Dolph Lundgren, and Ally Walker. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Two rival soldiers who were killed in Vietnam are brought back to life in a top secret military experiment that creates superhuman warriors."
"Two rival soldiers who were killed in Vietnam are brought back to life in a top secret military experiment that creates superhuman warriors."
On this day in 1998, The Shadow Men appeared out of the ether. Directed by Timothy Bond from a story by Justin Stanley and Eric Miller, the SciFi feature starred Dean Stockwell, and Andrew Prine. Here's the premise that's been written for IMDB.com:
"After a family has an alien encounter, they call the Air Force to report the incident which leads to a visit by Men In Black, who turn out to be alien-human mutants."
"After a family has an alien encounter, they call the Air Force to report the incident which leads to a visit by Men In Black, who turn out to be alien-human mutants."
On this day in 2006 (in Serbia), A Ticket To Space was purchased by audiences in attendance of the French Comedy Festival. Directed by Éric Lartigau, the SciFi/Comedy starred Kad Merad, Olivier Baroux, and Marina Foïs. According to our friends at Google.com, here's the plot summary:
"Two astronauts and two civilians encounter trouble during a shuttle flight to a space station."
"Two astronauts and two civilians encounter trouble during a shuttle flight to a space station."
On this day in 2006 (in the United Kingdom), The House With Laughing Windows enjoyed a special release on home video. Written (in part) and directed by Pupi Avati, the film starred Lino Capolicchio, Francesca Marciano, and Gianni Cavina. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Stefano, a young restorer, is commissioned to save a controversial mural located in the church of a small, isolated village."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The House With Laughing Windows enjoyed a wee bit of praise on the film festival circuit.
"Stefano, a young restorer, is commissioned to save a controversial mural located in the church of a small, isolated village."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The House With Laughing Windows enjoyed a wee bit of praise on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 2009, Pandorum first opened theatrically. Written (in part) and directed by Christian Alvart, the SciFi/Horror starred Ben Foster, Dennis Quaid, and Norman Reedus. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A pair of crew members aboard a spaceship wake up with no knowledge of their mission or their identities."
"A pair of crew members aboard a spaceship wake up with no knowledge of their mission or their identities."
A star is born! On this day in 2009 (in the U.S.), beauty turned quite brutal with the theatrical debut of RoboGeisha for audiences in attendance of Austin Fantastic Fest. Written and directed by Noboru Iguchi, the SciFi/Comedy starred Aya Kiguchi, Hitomi Hasebe, and Takumi Saitoh. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After receiving robotic implants, two sisters compete as assassins."
"After receiving robotic implants, two sisters compete as assassins."
On this day in 2011, Dawn Of The Dragonslayer screened for audiences in attendance of Bleed Fest. Written and directed by Anne K. Black, the Fantasy feature starred Richard McWilliams, Nicola Posener, and Philip Brodie. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"When Will's father is killed by a dragon, he embarks on an epic journey filled by vengeance that leads him to an ancestral home which he stays at and works for the tyrannical Sterling in order to learn how to slay the beast. While he is training, he befriends Sterling's daughter Kate, and Sterling becomes increasingly suspicious of and threatened by Will. He orders his men to kill him but Will escapes. Now Will must evade Sterling's men whilst trying to avenge his father."
"When Will's father is killed by a dragon, he embarks on an epic journey filled by vengeance that leads him to an ancestral home which he stays at and works for the tyrannical Sterling in order to learn how to slay the beast. While he is training, he befriends Sterling's daughter Kate, and Sterling becomes increasingly suspicious of and threatened by Will. He orders his men to kill him but Will escapes. Now Will must evade Sterling's men whilst trying to avenge his father."
A star is born! On this day in 2012 (in the U.S.), it was all doom and gloom with the release of Biohazard: Patient Zero debuted on home video. Written and directed by Brian T. Jaynes, the feature starred Brandon Slagle, Amanda Phillips, and Van Quattro. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Two young scientists are swept up in a government plot to suppress the truth about a biological disaster at a genetic research facility."
"Two young scientists are swept up in a government plot to suppress the truth about a biological disaster at a genetic research facility."
On this day in 2014 (in Germany) Who Am I enjoyed its theatrical release. Written (in part) and directed by Baran bo Odar, the SciFi/Cyber/Thriller starred Tom Schilling, Elyas M'Barek, and Trine Dyrholm. Here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"Benjamin, a young German computer whiz, is invited to join a subversive hacker group that wants to be noticed on the world's stage."
"Benjamin, a young German computer whiz, is invited to join a subversive hacker group that wants to be noticed on the world's stage."
On this day in 2015 (in the United Kingdom), Narcopolis enjoyed its full theatrical release in that country. Written and directed by Justin Trefgarne, the SciFi/Thriller starred James Callis, Kerry Shale, and Harry Lloyd. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In the near future, Frank Grieves is a new breed of police officer working in a city where all recreational drugs are legal. When he is taken off a case involving an unidentified corpse, he discovers that legalization has come at a price."
"In the near future, Frank Grieves is a new breed of police officer working in a city where all recreational drugs are legal. When he is taken off a case involving an unidentified corpse, he discovers that legalization has come at a price."
On this day in 1953 (in the U.S.), Adventures Of Superman aired "The Big Squeeze." Officially, this served as the second episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"The Daily Planet plans to give Dan Grayson an award for being citizen of the year. Grayson is a dedicated family man, active in community groups and a loyal employee of a fur company. He also a former convict, something he's managed to keep hidden in his new life. That all changes when a criminal from Grayson's past blackmails him, wanting Grayson's help on a robbery of the fur company. Unsittingly, Grayson has already provided one boost. Grayson accidentally locked himself in fur company's vault, which requires Superman to get him out. The vault can't be repaired for days, something that will help the criminals. Clark Kent attempts to help Grayson but the former convict is implicated when the criminals rob the fur company without his help. Grayson tracks down the criminals but is at their mercy. Now, Superman must find Grayson in time."
"The Daily Planet plans to give Dan Grayson an award for being citizen of the year. Grayson is a dedicated family man, active in community groups and a loyal employee of a fur company. He also a former convict, something he's managed to keep hidden in his new life. That all changes when a criminal from Grayson's past blackmails him, wanting Grayson's help on a robbery of the fur company. Unsittingly, Grayson has already provided one boost. Grayson accidentally locked himself in fur company's vault, which requires Superman to get him out. The vault can't be repaired for days, something that will help the criminals. Clark Kent attempts to help Grayson but the former convict is implicated when the criminals rob the fur company without his help. Grayson tracks down the criminals but is at their mercy. Now, Superman must find Grayson in time."
On this day in 1954 (in the U.S.), Captain Midnight aired "The Lost Moon." Officially, this served as the fourth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Jackson explains to Ikky that the US is currently in a race to be the first to put a space station in orbit will dominate the Earth. Jackson then receives a call from Paul Elwood, an astronomer in San Francisco who's discovered something important. Before he can explain further he is shot dead. Jackson flies out to help the police investigate. They find a strange roll of film. When they watch it, someone opens fire on the party. Later at the police station, the piece together clues left by Elwood and realize the roll of film shows an undiscovered Moon orbiting only a 1000 miles from Earth. Jackson realizes that a foreign government has the co-ordinates to this Moon, Jackson suspects the person is Chinese. While searching Chinatown they are attacked in a restaurant after having received a clue to the whereabouts of the data. The new lead requires them to take one of the Chinese to Vancouver in Canada. The man turns out to be the agent they are looking for and hijack's Jackson's plane."
"Jackson explains to Ikky that the US is currently in a race to be the first to put a space station in orbit will dominate the Earth. Jackson then receives a call from Paul Elwood, an astronomer in San Francisco who's discovered something important. Before he can explain further he is shot dead. Jackson flies out to help the police investigate. They find a strange roll of film. When they watch it, someone opens fire on the party. Later at the police station, the piece together clues left by Elwood and realize the roll of film shows an undiscovered Moon orbiting only a 1000 miles from Earth. Jackson realizes that a foreign government has the co-ordinates to this Moon, Jackson suspects the person is Chinese. While searching Chinatown they are attacked in a restaurant after having received a clue to the whereabouts of the data. The new lead requires them to take one of the Chinese to Vancouver in Canada. The man turns out to be the agent they are looking for and hijack's Jackson's plane."
On this day in 1954 (in the U.S.), Space Patrol aired "The Defeat Of Manza." Officially, this served as the thirty-first episode of the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Commander Buzz Corry's attempts to assist the Icarians, a race of humanoids fighting to regain their planet from an invisible tyrant called Manza. His plans are short-circuited when Major Robertson, Cadet Happy and Carol are captured by the being and imprisoned on the planet's surface. Corry goes to the fort where his friends are held to try to rescue them but gives orders for the Icarian squadron to resume their attack on the planet if he does not radio them within 15 minutes that he has achieved his objective."
"Commander Buzz Corry's attempts to assist the Icarians, a race of humanoids fighting to regain their planet from an invisible tyrant called Manza. His plans are short-circuited when Major Robertson, Cadet Happy and Carol are captured by the being and imprisoned on the planet's surface. Corry goes to the fort where his friends are held to try to rescue them but gives orders for the Icarian squadron to resume their attack on the planet if he does not radio them within 15 minutes that he has achieved his objective."
On this day in 1960 (in the United Kingdom), Pathfinders In Space aired "Luna Bridgehead." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The two spacecraft are now on the Moon and they need to work together to establish contact with each other. As exploration begins it quickly becomes apparent that someone or something has been on the Moon before them."
"The two spacecraft are now on the Moon and they need to work together to establish contact with each other. As exploration begins it quickly becomes apparent that someone or something has been on the Moon before them."
On this day in 1964 (in the U.S.), Jonny Quest aired "Arctic Splashdown." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's only season in original broadcast existence. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A rocket malfunctions and crashes in the Arctic. Dr. Benton Quest is dispatched to find the rocket but must contend with operatives of a hostile foreign power who seek the same thing he is."
"A rocket malfunctions and crashes in the Arctic. Dr. Benton Quest is dispatched to find the rocket but must contend with operatives of a hostile foreign power who seek the same thing he is."
On this day in 1965 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "Air Lock" as part of the greater Galaxy Four TV serial. Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's third season, and here's the premise as listed on IMDB.com:
"The Doctor and Vicki encounter the Rills and learn the situation is more complex than they thought while Steven finds the Drahvins' hospitality ever more perilous."
"The Doctor and Vicki encounter the Rills and learn the situation is more complex than they thought while Steven finds the Drahvins' hospitality ever more perilous."
On this day in 1975 (in the United Kingdom), Space:1999 aired "War Games." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Moonbase Alpha is attacked and devastated by warships from a nearby planet. With half of its population dead Alpha can no longer survive. Commander Koenig and Dr. Russel go to the alien world to plead for the survivors, but the inhabitants wish no one to disturb their serene existence."
"Moonbase Alpha is attacked and devastated by warships from a nearby planet. With half of its population dead Alpha can no longer survive. Commander Koenig and Dr. Russel go to the alien world to plead for the survivors, but the inhabitants wish no one to disturb their serene existence."
On this day in 1976 (in the U.S.), Ark II aired "The Wild Boy." Officially, This served as the third episode of the program's first (and only) season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The crew of the ARK steps in to protect a feral boy from angry villagers. Strange pulsating crystals unearthed by Jonah have a troubling side effect."
"The crew of the ARK steps in to protect a feral boy from angry villagers. Strange pulsating crystals unearthed by Jonah have a troubling side effect."
On this day in 1976 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Masque Of Mandragora: Part 4." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's fourteenth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"With Mandragora having taken complete control of the brethren, the Doctor tries to find a way to drain off the Mandragora energy on Earth before it wipes out the guests at Giuliano's masque."
"With Mandragora having taken complete control of the brethren, the Doctor tries to find a way to drain off the Mandragora energy on Earth before it wipes out the guests at Giuliano's masque."
It all began right here ...
On this day in 1976 (in the U.S.), Holmes & Yoyo premiered on broadcast television. According to our friends at Wikipedia.org, here's the premise behind the pilot adventure:
"An experienced, but accident-prone, detective is paired with a new partner: a not-quite perfected humanoid robot."
On this day in 1976 (in the U.S.), Holmes & Yoyo premiered on broadcast television. According to our friends at Wikipedia.org, here's the premise behind the pilot adventure:
"An experienced, but accident-prone, detective is paired with a new partner: a not-quite perfected humanoid robot."
On this day in 1976 (in the U.S.), Land of the Lost aired "The Orb." Officially, this served as the third episode of the program's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After stepping into a pylon, Will becomes invisible, so he uses his new gift to rescue Enik from the Sleestak."
"After stepping into a pylon, Will becomes invisible, so he uses his new gift to rescue Enik from the Sleestak."
On this day in 1978 (in the U.S.), Battle of the Planets aired "Rescue of the Astronauts." Officially, this served as the second episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When 2 astronauts returning from a mission disappear on reentry, G-Force is called in to investigate. Chief Anderson warns that the astronauts have probably been captured by Spectra as they had uncovered the location of giant, undetected alien bases on Earth. The data was kept on a tape in the astronauts' capsule but is now in the hands of Commander Gorak and Spectra. G-Force must locate the Spectrans' main base, rescue the astronauts, and find the data tape before it can be returned to Spectra."
"When 2 astronauts returning from a mission disappear on reentry, G-Force is called in to investigate. Chief Anderson warns that the astronauts have probably been captured by Spectra as they had uncovered the location of giant, undetected alien bases on Earth. The data was kept on a tape in the astronauts' capsule but is now in the hands of Commander Gorak and Spectra. G-Force must locate the Spectrans' main base, rescue the astronauts, and find the data tape before it can be returned to Spectra."
On this day in 1985 (in the U.S.), The Jetsons aired "Fugitive Fleas." Officially, this served as the eighth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Musical fleas escape from their circus life by hitching a ride on Astro."
"Musical fleas escape from their circus life by hitching a ride on Astro."
On this day in 1986 (in the U.S.), The Adventures of the Galaxy Rangers aired "Shaky." Officially, this (technically) served as the program's seventeenth episode (they were aired wildly out of sequence), and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Roy finds some Starstones, he calls the Rangers to secure his claim. The Blackhole Gang hears about the find and tries to get the gems before the Rangers can arrive and help their friend."
"Roy finds some Starstones, he calls the Rangers to secure his claim. The Blackhole Gang hears about the find and tries to get the gems before the Rangers can arrive and help their friend."
On this day in 1987 (in the U.S.), Max Headroom aired "Deities." Officially, this served as the second episode of the program's second (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An old flame of Edison's who has become the leader of a controversial new age church desperately wants Max's technology to help the church fulfill its shallow promises of a computer-enhanced afterlife."
"An old flame of Edison's who has become the leader of a controversial new age church desperately wants Max's technology to help the church fulfill its shallow promises of a computer-enhanced afterlife."
On this day in 1989 (in the U.S.), the transition from the big screen to the small screen was complete for Fox TV's Alien Nation which premiered with an hour titled "Fountain of Youth." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Sikes' issues with aging are intensified when he learns that the Newcomer life-span is almost twice that of humans. The death of a police officer during surgery raises questions about the hospital."
"Sikes' issues with aging are intensified when he learns that the Newcomer life-span is almost twice that of humans. The death of a police officer during surgery raises questions about the hospital."
Batter up! On this day in 1991 (in the U.S.), the popular Quantum Leap aired "Play Ball." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary that's provided by IMDB.com:
"Sam leaps into the body of Lester 'Doc' Fuller, a minor league baseball pitcher with the Galveston Mustangs. Al tells him that Doc makes it to the major leagues and has an outstanding first year but then disappeared after accidentally hitting someone with a pitch and killing him. Al thinks Sam is there to help Doc get back into the major leagues. Sam wonders if he's really there to save Doc or to help Chucky, the real pitching ace on the team. Chucky is an angry young man however, drinking on game days and often getting into fights. With a major league scout scheduled to take in the big game, Sam may get the start because Doc has been sleeping with owner, Margaret Twilly."
"Sam leaps into the body of Lester 'Doc' Fuller, a minor league baseball pitcher with the Galveston Mustangs. Al tells him that Doc makes it to the major leagues and has an outstanding first year but then disappeared after accidentally hitting someone with a pitch and killing him. Al thinks Sam is there to help Doc get back into the major leagues. Sam wonders if he's really there to save Doc or to help Chucky, the real pitching ace on the team. Chucky is an angry young man however, drinking on game days and often getting into fights. With a major league scout scheduled to take in the big game, Sam may get the start because Doc has been sleeping with owner, Margaret Twilly."
On this day in 1991 (in the United Kingdom), Star Trek: The Next Generation aired "Peak Performance." Officially, this served as the twenty-first episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The crew of the Enterprise participates in war games."
"The crew of the Enterprise participates in war games."
On this day in 1993 (in the U.S.), Star Trek: The Next Generation aired "Liaisons." Officially, this served as the second episode of the program's seventh season, and here's the premise that's been provided by IMDB.com:
"The Enterprise is on a diplomatic mission to open relations the the Ilarians. While two of their ambassador's have joined him on the ship, Captain Picard is to travel by shuttle craft to their home world. Counselor Troi takes charge of Ambassador Loquel, who takes delight in the many pleasures, especially chocolate, which can be found on board the ship. Lt. Worf is assigned to Ambassador Byleth whose gruff and demanding behavior drives the Klingon to the edge of losing his temper. Picard doesn't quite make it to the Ilarian home world as the malfunctioning shuttle craft is forced to land on a nearby planet. There Picard finds a crashed freighter and an attractive young woman who has been a castaway for seven years. Nothing is at it seems however, either on the Enterprise or the planet."
"The Enterprise is on a diplomatic mission to open relations the the Ilarians. While two of their ambassador's have joined him on the ship, Captain Picard is to travel by shuttle craft to their home world. Counselor Troi takes charge of Ambassador Loquel, who takes delight in the many pleasures, especially chocolate, which can be found on board the ship. Lt. Worf is assigned to Ambassador Byleth whose gruff and demanding behavior drives the Klingon to the edge of losing his temper. Picard doesn't quite make it to the Ilarian home world as the malfunctioning shuttle craft is forced to land on a nearby planet. There Picard finds a crashed freighter and an attractive young woman who has been a castaway for seven years. Nothing is at it seems however, either on the Enterprise or the planet."
On this day in 1994 (in the U.S.), Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman aired "Wall of Sound." Officially, this served as the second episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"Lois gets a bit jealous and insecure after Clark is nominated for a journalism award and she is not. A villain using sound waves as a weapon, is trying to extort the city of Metropolis for half of the money in its banks."
"Lois gets a bit jealous and insecure after Clark is nominated for a journalism award and she is not. A villain using sound waves as a weapon, is trying to extort the city of Metropolis for half of the money in its banks."
On this day in 1994 (in the U.S.), Seaquest DSV aired "The Fear That Follows." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The engineers of the alien spacecraft that the original seaQuest discovered before her destruction receive the message sent by the crew and relay their intentions, through Darwin, to make first contact with the Human race. While the crew are ecstatic, General Thomas and a hot-shot UEO lieutenant can only see things from a military perspective."
"The engineers of the alien spacecraft that the original seaQuest discovered before her destruction receive the message sent by the crew and relay their intentions, through Darwin, to make first contact with the Human race. While the crew are ecstatic, General Thomas and a hot-shot UEO lieutenant can only see things from a military perspective."
On this day in 1995 (in Australia), Ocean Girl aired "The Return." Officially, this served as the thirteenth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from TV.com:
"Neri and Mera make the decision to return to the Ocean Planet and convince Diane that her research must continue. Froggy fixes HELEN, with a little help from Damien. Commander Byrne has Forsythe arrested when HELEN identifies him as the saboteur."
"Neri and Mera make the decision to return to the Ocean Planet and convince Diane that her research must continue. Froggy fixes HELEN, with a little help from Damien. Commander Byrne has Forsythe arrested when HELEN identifies him as the saboteur."
On this day in 1995 (in the U.S.), Star Trek: Voyager aired "Non Sequitur." Officially, this served as the fifth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Harry Kim wakes up in San Francisco having never been assigned to Voyager which Starfleet considers lost."
"Harry Kim wakes up in San Francisco having never been assigned to Voyager which Starfleet considers lost."
On this day in 1996 (in the U.S.), Star Trek: Voyager aired "The Swarm." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Voyager is attacked by swarms of tiny spaceships which attach themselves to Voyager's hull. The Doctor is losing his memory and Torres activates the Jupiter Station diagnostic program run by a familiar hologram."
"Voyager is attacked by swarms of tiny spaceships which attach themselves to Voyager's hull. The Doctor is losing his memory and Torres activates the Jupiter Station diagnostic program run by a familiar hologram."
On this day in 1998 (in the U.S.), Stargate: SG-1 aired "Bane." Officially, this served as the tenth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Whilst off-world, the team is attacked by giant insects, one of which stings Teal'c on the back. The bug has actually implanted a virus that converts Teal'c into a living incubator for hundreds of more insects and Teal'c is being eaten alive. The only way to save him is to capture another venomous bug and create an antidote, but time is running out."
"Whilst off-world, the team is attacked by giant insects, one of which stings Teal'c on the back. The bug has actually implanted a virus that converts Teal'c into a living incubator for hundreds of more insects and Teal'c is being eaten alive. The only way to save him is to capture another venomous bug and create an antidote, but time is running out."
On this day in 1999 (in the U.S.), Batman Beyond aired the second episode of its second season, an actioner titled "Earth Mover." According to the fine folks at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"While at a study party, a girl named Jackie fears she is being followed. Terry confronts the follower, only to find that it is a large dirt monster. Due to a chemical spill, Tony Maychek, father of Jackie, becomes the "Earth Mover" and is determined to have his daughter back and get his revenge on the one that caused the accident: Bill Wallace, the current caretaker of Jackie."
"While at a study party, a girl named Jackie fears she is being followed. Terry confronts the follower, only to find that it is a large dirt monster. Due to a chemical spill, Tony Maychek, father of Jackie, becomes the "Earth Mover" and is determined to have his daughter back and get his revenge on the one that caused the accident: Bill Wallace, the current caretaker of Jackie."
On this day in 1999 (in the U.S.), Sherlock Holmes In The 22nd Century aired "The Crime Machine." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Martin Fenwick is turning innocent citizens of New London into criminals and sends them out to commit a crime wave. Holmes and Lestrade meet the new Baker Street Irregulars: Wiggins, Deidre and Tennyson."
"Martin Fenwick is turning innocent citizens of New London into criminals and sends them out to commit a crime wave. Holmes and Lestrade meet the new Baker Street Irregulars: Wiggins, Deidre and Tennyson."
On this day in 2001 (in Australia), Cybergirl aired the ninth episode of the program's first season. According to our friends at TV.com, here's the episode's plot summary:
"Isaac and Xanda stage a bomb scare - they send Mick into the vault of the museum with a bomb, which he does not know about. Only Cybergirl can defuse the bomb, but in doing so she risks her own life..."
"Isaac and Xanda stage a bomb scare - they send Mick into the vault of the museum with a bomb, which he does not know about. Only Cybergirl can defuse the bomb, but in doing so she risks her own life..."
On this day in 2002 (in the U.S.), Star Trek: Enterprise aired "Carbon Creek." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"On the first anniversary of her assignment to Enterprise, T'Pol tells Archer and Trip about the first contact between humans and Vulcans, which involves three Vulcans becoming stranded in the town of Carbon Creek, Pennsylvania in 1957."
"On the first anniversary of her assignment to Enterprise, T'Pol tells Archer and Trip about the first contact between humans and Vulcans, which involves three Vulcans becoming stranded in the town of Carbon Creek, Pennsylvania in 1957."
On this day in 2002 (in the U.S.), The Twilight Zone aired "Dream Lover." Starring genre favorite Adrian Pasdar and the lovely Shannon Elizabeth, this episode served as the fourth in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A graphic novelist manifests his dream lover as a way to get over writer's block. Unfortunately, things are not what they seem to be with her."
"A graphic novelist manifests his dream lover as a way to get over writer's block. Unfortunately, things are not what they seem to be with her."
It all began right here ...
On this day in 2006 (in the U.S.), NBC introduced audiences to the world of Heroes. The first installment was titled "Chapter 01: Genesis," and here's the lengthy plot summary from 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."
On this day in 2006 (in the U.S.), NBC introduced audiences to the world of Heroes. The first installment was titled "Chapter 01: Genesis," and here's the lengthy plot summary from 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."
On this day in 2007 (in the U.S.), Eureka aired "All That Glitters." Officially, this served as the twelfth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The town's metals begin to spontaneously turn to gold, but the wealth may be as fleeting as the town when the structures begin deteriorating."
"The town's metals begin to spontaneously turn to gold, but the wealth may be as fleeting as the town when the structures begin deteriorating."
On this day in 2008 (in the U.S.), Smallville aired "Plastique." Officially, this served as the second episode of the program's eighth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Clark's first day on the job at the Daily Planet begins with a bus exploding right outside the building, which leads him and Lois on a trail of someone who might be infected by kryptonite. Chloe finds a runaway teenage girl, named Bette, whom Chloe suspects is involved in the explosion when Bette (whom will later become the fire-starter Plastique) has the meteor-rock power of pyrokinisis. In the meantime, Chloe also meets a local medic, named Davis Bloom, who takes an interest in her, even though she's engaged to Jimmy Olsen. Elsewhere, Tess meets Clark for the first time as she takes over the Daily Planet in Lex's absence and immediately senses something not right about him."
"Clark's first day on the job at the Daily Planet begins with a bus exploding right outside the building, which leads him and Lois on a trail of someone who might be infected by kryptonite. Chloe finds a runaway teenage girl, named Bette, whom Chloe suspects is involved in the explosion when Bette (whom will later become the fire-starter Plastique) has the meteor-rock power of pyrokinisis. In the meantime, Chloe also meets a local medic, named Davis Bloom, who takes an interest in her, even though she's engaged to Jimmy Olsen. Elsewhere, Tess meets Clark for the first time as she takes over the Daily Planet in Lex's absence and immediately senses something not right about him."
On this day in 2009 (in the U.S.), Smallville aired "Savior." Officially, this served as the first episode of the program's ninth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Clark decides that he is ready to start his training at the Fortress of Solitude to become 'Superman'. However, the spirit of Jor-El insists that he return to Metropolis to cut his ties with the people he knows before he begins. Lois reappears in the city with no recollection of vanishing to the future. Her investigation into a monorail crash brings her into contact with a new reporter named John Corben. John is opposed to the "Red and Blue Blur", and has a secret power and identity himself. Meanwhile, Chloe's friendship with Clark deteriorates when he refuses to use the Legion ring to go back in time to save Jimmy. Elsewhere, Oliver turns down a dark path in his quest to rid the world of evil. General Zod makes his entrance at the Luthor mansion before Tess."
"Clark decides that he is ready to start his training at the Fortress of Solitude to become 'Superman'. However, the spirit of Jor-El insists that he return to Metropolis to cut his ties with the people he knows before he begins. Lois reappears in the city with no recollection of vanishing to the future. Her investigation into a monorail crash brings her into contact with a new reporter named John Corben. John is opposed to the "Red and Blue Blur", and has a secret power and identity himself. Meanwhile, Chloe's friendship with Clark deteriorates when he refuses to use the Legion ring to go back in time to save Jimmy. Elsewhere, Oliver turns down a dark path in his quest to rid the world of evil. General Zod makes his entrance at the Luthor mansion before Tess."
On this day in 2015 (in the U.S.), Syfy's Continuum aired "Power Hour." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's fourth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Alec takes a definitive step toward shaping a positive future, by joining Carlos and the VPD. Kiera and Garza form an alliance in order to recon the new future soldiers compound and uncover their plan, but is Kiera's trust of Brad putting everyone in danger?"
"Alec takes a definitive step toward shaping a positive future, by joining Carlos and the VPD. Kiera and Garza form an alliance in order to recon the new future soldiers compound and uncover their plan, but is Kiera's trust of Brad putting everyone in danger?"
On this day in 2015 (in the U.S.), the web-based project Star Trek Continues released "Divided We Stand." Officially, this served as the program's fifth episode, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After an explosion on the bridge resulting from a failed attempt to isolate the ship's computer from a nano-virus, Kirk and McCoy wake up to find themselves in the middle of one of America's bloodiest conflict."
"After an explosion on the bridge resulting from a failed attempt to isolate the ship's computer from a nano-virus, Kirk and McCoy wake up to find themselves in the middle of one of America's bloodiest conflict."
On this day in 2017 (in Spain), The Ministry Of Time aired "Tiempo de conquista." Officially, this served as the eighth episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided via IMDB.com:
"Back in the XVI century, Pacino and Alonso must ensure the survival of two Spaniards, a conquistador turned native and a priest with a key role in Cortes' conquest of the Aztecs, in the wilderness of Pre-Hispanic Yucatan peninsula."
"Back in the XVI century, Pacino and Alonso must ensure the survival of two Spaniards, a conquistador turned native and a priest with a key role in Cortes' conquest of the Aztecs, in the wilderness of Pre-Hispanic Yucatan peninsula."
