Premiering on this day in 1996, UPN's short-lived The Burning Zone tapped deep into the audience's fear of biological warfare with stories exploring types of biological disasters plaguing a fictional mankind. Though some critics compared the program to Fox TV's uber-popular The X-Files, Zone clearly staked out more science-specific events, giving its cast room to squirm alongside a mounting pile potential victims.
HBO has long been the stomping grounds for quality serialized drama, and Raised By Wolves -- which premiered on this day in 2020 -- is no less impressive. Executive produced by no less than Ridley Scott, the SciFi/Serial takes a bit of time to build its world (so audiences, hang in there), and it delivers a dark dystopian look into mankind's future survival on a distant planet once Earth has been destroyed by humanity's excess. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Androids are tasked with raising human children on a mysterious planet."
"Androids are tasked with raising human children on a mysterious planet."
Gotta tell you: most people hated Tron: Legacy, but I enjoyed it quite a bit. I guess I just allowed its high-tech contemporary take vastly updated from the original to win me over as opposed to looking/hoping for a stronger story. It was a modern fable set in a dream world, and Garrett Hedlund -- as the son to Jeff Bridges' original character -- convinced me he could carry the story for a new generation. Mr. Hedlund was born on this day back in 1984.
One of the unexpected joys of doing so much research in finding talent to feature within SciFiHistory.Net is that I occasionally get to rediscover men and women I may have experienced elsewhere in my cinema and television travels. Today's evidence: I first noticed the lovely Irene Papas in one of my all-time favorite war movies, The Guns Of Navarone. Little did I know that she'd drop onto my radar years later in a small role aboard the TV adaptation of Homer's The Odyssey (1997). Papas was born on this day in 1926. [Source: IMDB.com]
The esteemed Eileen Brennan didn't do what folks would consider much genre work, but she still managed to squeeze in some small roles between the dramatic work. The closest she came to Science Fiction was a role aboard The Ray Bradbury Theatre but work aboard Tales From The Crypt as well as Jeepers Creepers also deserves mention. Though she's no longer with us, Brennan was born on this day in 1932. [Source: IMDB.com]
The much-revered Pauline Collins suited up as no less than 'Queen Victoria' herself for an installment of the BBC's long-running Doctor Who. In point of fact, the actress had previously visited the wider world of Who back in 1967 aboard "The Faceless Ones" serial. Collins was born on this day in 1940. [Source: IMDB.com]
The late Jenny Maxwell enjoyed a visit to the wide, wide world of Classic Television that was Rod Serling's The Twilight Zone. Though she's no longer with us, Maxwell was born on this day in 1941. [Source: IMDB.com]
The camera obviously loves Valerie Perrine ... and so should every red-blooded adult male! She played the delightfully wicked if not slightly deviously deranged Eve Teschmacher is Superman - The Movie and again (all-too-briefly) in Superman II. (Curse you, Lex Luthor! Why couldn't she have been a supervillain?) Perrine was born on this day in 1943.
Visionary director Jean-Pierre Jeunet is one of the rare few who were granted to opportunity to play in the greater Alien universe with his particular take on the oft-maligned Alien: Resurrection (1997) for 20th Century Fox. Jeunet was born on this day in 1953. [Source: IMDB.com]
Big-time Hollywood writer/producer James Duff turned his creative eye toward the Gene Roddenberry franchise by penning a script for UPN's Star Trek: Enterprise. Duff was born on this day in 1955. [Source: IMDB.com]
Veteran character actor Kevin McCorkle literally phoned in his appearance aboard Star Trek: Voyager ... well, he phoned it in via subspace radio that is. McCorkle has also scored roles aboard The X-Files, The Island (2005), Radio Free Albemuth (2010), and The Amazing Spider-Man (2012). McCorkle was born on this day in 1958. [Source: IMDB.com]
Merritt Butrick -- the young man who played Kirk's son, David, in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan and again in Star Trek III: The Search for Spock -- was born on this day back in 1959. The character was actually given an impressive emotional arc over the course of the two closely-linked pictures: in Khan, David had to come to grips with the anger he felt over some abandonment issues with his dad, only then in The Search for Spock to have to confess to his father how he'd cheated to achieve the measure of success he had with the Genesis Project. Though he's no longer with us, Butrick will always be in the thoughts of Trekkers, Trekkies, and Trek enthusiasts everywhere.
Early in his professional career, Doug Spearman enjoyed a brief guest appearance aboard UPN's Star Trek: Voyager. Spearman was born on this day in 1962. [Source: Memory Alpha]
In 1992's oft-maligned Alien 3, Holt McCallany played a convict who thought he was gonna have a little (sexual) fun with Ripley. Turned out that wasn't the case. However, the actor has also appeared in such properties as Heroes and the forthcoming White Space. McCallany was born on this day in 1963.
2008's The Objective tapped into the semi-popular 'found footage craze' of its era, exploring the tale of a troop of soldiers trapped in a 'Bermuda Triangle' experience in the Afghanistan desert. The script was written by Daniel Myrick, and Myrick was born on this day in 1963. [Source: IMDB.com]
Screen veteran Costas Mandylor has dabbled in some quality genre projects. SciFi fans might recognize him from his work aboard Virtuosity (1995), Fist of the North Star (1995), Venus Rising (1995), The Outer Limits (1996), Last Exit to Earth (1996), and Andromeda (2002). Mandylor was born on this day in 1965.
Back during an era wherein his career was less about making headlines, Charlie Sheen starred in a smart little SciFi conspiracy thriller called The Arrival. If you haven't seen it, then I'd encourage you to check it out; it's similar in tone to Fox TV's stellar The X-Files, and Sheen delivers a convincing performance as the astronomer hell bent on exposing the invaders' secret plot. Sheen was born on this day in 1965.
Though she may've been little more than 'arm candy' with her appearance aboard Star Trek: Voyager, Amy Lindsay played the part well! She also enjoyed a role aboard Paradox Alice (2012). Lindsay was born on this day in 1966. [Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Clare Kramer made a bit of a splash in a recurring role on Buffy The Vampire Slayer, and -- in 2013 -- she helped corral the mystery and mayhem that was part and parcel of the deliciously cheesy SciFi-themed B-movie Big Ass Spider! Kramer was born on this day in 1974.
Lovely Ashley Jones brought an additional romantic spark to HBO's True Blood during its early seasons. This luscious looker has far more conventional work on her resume, but she did appear in ABC's FlashForward. Jones was born on this day in 1976.
Easy on the eyes Nichole Hiltz (pictured above from her guest-starring spot in the WB's Smallville) is welcome to play in our beloved genre any time she likes. She's also had roles in Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Masters of Horror, and Alien Autopsy. Hiltz was born on this day in 1978.
In the early days of his career, Nick Wechsler served as a regular for Team Knight Rider before signing up for duty on the WB's teen SciFi drama Roswell (pictured). He's also enjoyed guest roles on Tru Calling and Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles. Wechsler was born on this day in 1978.
Note to Hollywood executives: can we please get Christine Woods a winning franchise all of her own? She first caught my eye in the middling FlashForward, and then she had a terrific performance in a supporting role on AMC's The Walking Dead. Woods was born on this day in 1983.
Critical darling Paz de la Huerta cracked into the realm of the SciFi/Thriller with work aboard Superstrata. De la Huerta was born on this day in 1984. [Source: IMDB.com]
Actor Joel Johnstone stepped into the shoes of 'H.H. Holmes' for an episode of NBC's popular time-travel yarn Timeless. He's also appeared aboard Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. and iZombie. Johnstone was born on this day in 1984. [Source: IMDB.com]
The fresh-faced Ashley Boettcher had to deal cinematically with a little extraterrestrial infestation better known as Aliens In The Attic (2009) for 20th Century Fox. Boettcher was born on this day in 2000. [Source: IMDB.com]
Purrrrfect! On this day in 1953, the delicious Cat-Women of the Moon premiered. The feature starred Marie Windsor and Victor Jory, and here's the plot summary listed on IMDB.com:
"Astronauts travel to the moon where they discover it is inhabited by attractive young women in black tights."
"Astronauts travel to the moon where they discover it is inhabited by attractive young women in black tights."
On this day in 1993, actor Christopher Lambert showed us what the future of incarceration might look like when Fortress premiered theatrically. This remains one of those films I've seen but I have very little recollection of anything impressive. Here's the film's plot summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"In a futuristic USA, it's forbidden to give birth to more than one child for each woman. As usual, you can escape to Mexico to avoid the authorities in USA, which is exactly what John and Karen Brennick were trying to do when Karen is pregnant with her second child (their first child was born dead). When they think they have made it they are discovered and put to prison (for 31 years), a modern prison called the 'Fortress' where the prisoners are controlled by lasers, neutron-cannons, cameras, mind-scanners and electronic pain-causing devices in their stomachs. With those odds, John still plans to escape with his wife."
"In a futuristic USA, it's forbidden to give birth to more than one child for each woman. As usual, you can escape to Mexico to avoid the authorities in USA, which is exactly what John and Karen Brennick were trying to do when Karen is pregnant with her second child (their first child was born dead). When they think they have made it they are discovered and put to prison (for 31 years), a modern prison called the 'Fortress' where the prisoners are controlled by lasers, neutron-cannons, cameras, mind-scanners and electronic pain-causing devices in their stomachs. With those odds, John still plans to escape with his wife."
On this day in 1999, Science Fiction turned decidedly Romantic/Comedy with the release of The Mating Habits Of The Earthbound Human. Directed and written by Jeff Abugov, the feature starred Mackenzie Astin and Carmen Electra, and here's the plot summary that's provided by IMDB.com:
"An anthropologist from an alien planet provides voice-over commentary for a documentary look at human courtship, mating, and reproduction: "complex, perverse, tragically beautiful: the earthbound human." The commentary gets some of the details comically wrong (explaining the slap on a newborn's back: "they don't like the looks of the child so they beat it"), but gets right the overall idea. We follow Billy and Jenny from their meeting at a club, initial misunderstandings, his losing her phone number, finally connecting, walks on the beach, soulful talks, meeting each other's parents, friends' advice, and the gradual taking of the relationship to new levels."
"An anthropologist from an alien planet provides voice-over commentary for a documentary look at human courtship, mating, and reproduction: "complex, perverse, tragically beautiful: the earthbound human." The commentary gets some of the details comically wrong (explaining the slap on a newborn's back: "they don't like the looks of the child so they beat it"), but gets right the overall idea. We follow Billy and Jenny from their meeting at a club, initial misunderstandings, his losing her phone number, finally connecting, walks on the beach, soulful talks, meeting each other's parents, friends' advice, and the gradual taking of the relationship to new levels."
On this day in 1955, Science Fiction Theatre aired "Barrier Of Silence." This served as the nineteenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A pilot loses his memory of what happened during a top-secret flight, most likely due to intense sound. Scientists hope to retrieve his memory by subjecting him to intense silence."
"A pilot loses his memory of what happened during a top-secret flight, most likely due to intense sound. Scientists hope to retrieve his memory by subjecting him to intense silence."
On this day in 1977, Doctor Who aired "Horror Of Fang Rock: Part 1." This served as the first episode in the program's fifteenth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The TARDIS lands near an isolated rocky island lighthouse just after a comet strikes the nearby sea and a sudden chilling fog rolls in. Soon after, electrical problems take hold of the generator and one of the keepers dies mysteriously. Rueben, the eldest keeper, thinks it's the return of the legendary Beast of Fang Rock, but the Doctor suspects it's something worse that a legend."
"The TARDIS lands near an isolated rocky island lighthouse just after a comet strikes the nearby sea and a sudden chilling fog rolls in. Soon after, electrical problems take hold of the generator and one of the keepers dies mysteriously. Rueben, the eldest keeper, thinks it's the return of the legendary Beast of Fang Rock, but the Doctor suspects it's something worse that a legend."
On this day in 1979, Battle of the Planets aired "Secret Island." This served as the fiftieth episode of the program's first (and only) season in the United States, and here's the plot summary as provided by TV.com:
"There have been many planes and ships disappearing in the Bermuda Triangle. Mark and Princess are sent to Shipwreck Island in the Triangle to investigate. They discover a Spectra base and their latest weapon, the Whirly Knife. Mark summons the team, but can they stop the latest Mech from Spectra?"
"There have been many planes and ships disappearing in the Bermuda Triangle. Mark and Princess are sent to Shipwreck Island in the Triangle to investigate. They discover a Spectra base and their latest weapon, the Whirly Knife. Mark summons the team, but can they stop the latest Mech from Spectra?"
It all began right here: on this day in 1996, the UPN Network ventured bravely into The Burning Zone. Perhaps a weekly procedural wherein scientists explored the worst kinds of outbreaks known to man was a bit too much for modern audiences to stomach as the show pretty much came and went in the blink of an eye. Still, kudos to the fledgling network for giving the greenlight to something so SciFi focused. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the pilot's summary:
"After hibernating for 15,000 years, a malevolent virus is released from an ancient tomb in Costa Rica. A top team of specialists is assembled to research it. Infection causes blood-red eyes, a high fever and superhuman strength."
"After hibernating for 15,000 years, a malevolent virus is released from an ancient tomb in Costa Rica. A top team of specialists is assembled to research it. Infection causes blood-red eyes, a high fever and superhuman strength."
On this day in 1997, UPN's Star Trek: Voyager charted a new course with the premiere of its fourth season with the airing of "Scorpion: Part 2." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Voyager finds a solution to combat the invader of Borg space. All Captain Janeway asks is free passage through their territory and Voyager will share their knowledge."
"Voyager finds a solution to combat the invader of Borg space. All Captain Janeway asks is free passage through their territory and Voyager will share their knowledge."
On this day in 1999 (in Australia), Thunderstone aired "Is Noah Banished?" This served as the fourth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from TVGuide.com:
"Syndia declares that Noah will be banished upon his return from Haven."
"Syndia declares that Noah will be banished upon his return from Haven."
On this day in 2000, Code Name: Eternity aired "Sold Out For A Song." This served as the sixteenth episode of the program's first (and only) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TV.com:
"Banning discovers that Senator Caraldo, whose campaign for president he is paying for, has been having an affair with a female rock star. With the election coming up soon he warns the Senator and hires a hitman to kill Mona Knight, the rock star. Ethaniel, Laura and Tawrens see a photo of Banning and Knight together and decide to find out what Banning could want with a rock star. It doesn't take them long to find out that it is a president that he really wants, the question is what can they do to stop him from achieving that aim?"
"Banning discovers that Senator Caraldo, whose campaign for president he is paying for, has been having an affair with a female rock star. With the election coming up soon he warns the Senator and hires a hitman to kill Mona Knight, the rock star. Ethaniel, Laura and Tawrens see a photo of Banning and Knight together and decide to find out what Banning could want with a rock star. It doesn't take them long to find out that it is a president that he really wants, the question is what can they do to stop him from achieving that aim?"
On this day in 2015, Under The Dome aired "Incandescence." This served as the twelfth episode in the program's third (and final) season, and here's the premise that's listed on IMDB.com:
"As the dome's calcification accelerates, the townspeople have 24 hours left before they will suffocate; Julia and Barbie race to save Barbie's child; Hektor is adamant that the infected townspeople should never escape from the dome."
"As the dome's calcification accelerates, the townspeople have 24 hours left before they will suffocate; Julia and Barbie race to save Barbie's child; Hektor is adamant that the infected townspeople should never escape from the dome."
On this day in 2017, Day 5 aired "Sleepwalkers." This served as the fifth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The team pursues the Oasis through the desert, as Aidan navigates the politics of the camp. Meredith finds an unlikely ally in her new assignment."
"The team pursues the Oasis through the desert, as Aidan navigates the politics of the camp. Meredith finds an unlikely ally in her new assignment."
On this day in 2018, Salvation aired "Celebration Day." This served as the eleventh episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A stand-off at the COPE compound leads to tragic results."
"A stand-off at the COPE compound leads to tragic results."
It all began right here: on this day in 2020, HBOMax leapt into the world of Science Fiction serials with the premiere of Raised By Wolves. The first episode shared its title with the series, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After Earth is rendered uninhabitable, Androids start a settlement and a new family with human embryos on the planet Kepler-22b."
"After Earth is rendered uninhabitable, Androids start a settlement and a new family with human embryos on the planet Kepler-22b."
