On this day in 1954, television audiences were introduced to the high-flying adventurous world of Captain Midnight! As I am seriously under-educated in the world of this property, I'm going to go ahead and provide the series summary as listed on the reliable IMDB.com:
"Captain Midnight was a daring, jut-jawed war hero who led a mysterious government group known as the Secret Squadron. Midnight, his comic sidekick Icky, and the rest of the Squadron traveled around the globe stomping out evil. When the show went into syndication, Midnight's name became Jet Jackson, and the show's title was changed."
"Captain Midnight was a daring, jut-jawed war hero who led a mysterious government group known as the Secret Squadron. Midnight, his comic sidekick Icky, and the rest of the Squadron traveled around the globe stomping out evil. When the show went into syndication, Midnight's name became Jet Jackson, and the show's title was changed."
On this day in 1981 (in the United Kingdom), a curious kind of First Contact was made with the television premiere of Kinvig. This came from the mind of acclaimed SciFi/Fantasy TV writer Nigel Kneale -- the genius who brought us the Quatermass franchise -- and starred Tony Haygarth, Patsy Rowlands, and Prunella Gee. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the series' premise:
"Lazy, unambitious repairman and UFO enthusiast Des Kinvig encounters a spaceship captained by the beautiful Miss Griffin from Mercury. Or is it all just the fantasy of a man having a quiet breakdown?"
"Lazy, unambitious repairman and UFO enthusiast Des Kinvig encounters a spaceship captained by the beautiful Miss Griffin from Mercury. Or is it all just the fantasy of a man having a quiet breakdown?"
Now I ask you: in all of television history, has there been a more photogenic duo than the lovely Xena and Gabrielle? Granted, Fantasy isn't Science Fiction, but as it's a close substitute I'll call out such programming any chance that I get ... and on this day back in 1995 the groundbreaking Xena: Warrior Princess premiered in TV syndication. It lasted for an incredibly adventurous six seasons, and fans to this day are hungry for a continuation. Here's the show's premise from IMDB.com:
"Xena, a mighty Warrior Princess with a dark past, sets out to redeem herself. She is joined by small town bard, Gabrielle. Together they journey the ancient world and fight for the greater good against ruthless Warlords and Gods."
"Xena, a mighty Warrior Princess with a dark past, sets out to redeem herself. She is joined by small town bard, Gabrielle. Together they journey the ancient world and fight for the greater good against ruthless Warlords and Gods."
Premiering on this day back in 1975 (in the United Kingdom), Space:1999 built a modest audience, but it's remained more of a 'cult' appeal amongst SciFi enthusiasts over the years. I never much cared for it -- I thought the premise was kinda/sorta interesting enough, but the characters never really compelled me to tune in to know more about them. However, I'm happy to admit that I recently started watching it again on DVD, and -- despite some obviously aged elements to so much of it -- I'm enjoying it quite immensely.
History records that it was on this fateful day back in the year 1966 that Gene Roddenberry -- believing he had captured lightning in a bottle -- took a copy of Star Trek's "Where No Man Has Gone Before" to play for the crowds gathered at the World Science Fiction Convention in Cleveland, Ohio. How was the program first received? Well, let's just say that Gene couldn't sate their appetites, and -- before the event was all over -- crowds also demanded to view the black-and-white print the man also brought along of the original Trek pilot, "The Cage." So it goes without saying that many folks credit September 4th as the serendipitous birth of the franchise.
Reggie Nalder enjoyed a bit of blue make-up and a white wig for his work aboard Star Trek's "Journey To Babel." The actor also enjoyed a bit of screen time aboard the original Battlestar Galactica as well as the TV miniseries adaptation of Stephen King's Salem's Lot. Though he's no longer with us, Nalder was born on this day in 1907. [Source: IMDB.com]
Aside from a small mountain of voicework too numerous to mention, the late Howard Morris enjoyed a guest spot aboard Space Academy, one of the Saturday morning SciFi programs of my youth. Though he's no longer with us, Morris was born on this day in 1919. [Source: IMDB.com]
Meh. I've taken a lot of guff over the years for my unabashed love of Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979). Yes, I agree that it's pacing is decidedly slow, but I honestly have very few problems with the picture as presented. I guess I was just so thrilled to see the crew back together than I can overlook some other obvious issues. Harold Livingston is credited with the film's screenplay, and Livingston was born on this day in 1924. [Source: IMDB.com]
Though he'll always be remembered for his work in TV's Comedy/Fantasy Bewitched, the talented Dick York also enjoyed a pair of visits -- in different roles -- into Rod Serling's The Twilight Zone. Though he's no longer with us, York was born on this day in 1928. [Source: IMDB.com]
Nicholas Worth had the good fortune of appearing in several SciFi properties during his tenure in the entertainment business. Most notably? I remember seeing him first as Bruno in 1982's campy Swamp Thing. Not long after, he popped up in roles in Hell Comes to Frogtown, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, The X-Files, and Star Trek: Voyager. Though he's no longer with us, Worth was born on this day in 1937.
Actor Michael Berryman enjoys a huge, huge following in genre entertainment as what many would describe as a 'horror icon.' Still, he's garnered a few SciFi appearances, most notable a brief role as Captain Rixx in an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation as well as an uncredited role in Star Trek V: The Final Frontier. Berryman was born on this day in 1948.
Fans have seen veteran character actor Alan Blumenfeld all over the place. Since engaging in the business of acting, he's enjoyed screen time aboard WarGames (1983), The Twilight Zone, Innerspace (1987), Beauty and The Beast, Dark Side Of The Moon (1990), Special Unit 2, Stargate: Atlantis, Heroes, Touch, and Fallout 4 (video game). Blumenfeld was born on this day in 1952. [Source: IMDB.com]
What's not to love about the lovely, Patricia Tallman? Great actress? Hot! Babylon 5? Hot! Actress? Hot! Stuntwoman, too? Hottest! She's been a part of SciFi for about as long as she's been in the business, and she's rightly amassed a terrific fan following. Happy Birthday, Pat! She was born on this day in 1957 ... and she's still rockin' that red look!
Legendary voice actor John DiMaggio (and general vocal badass) has a pretty impressive career in bringing characters to life, but, for my tastes, he's done nothing so impressive as to give voice to Bender, the duplicitous robot on Futurama. Mr. DiMaggio was born on this day back in 1968.
I've yet to watch Stargate: Origins, but I've purchased access to it via the Stargate web portal and MGM. In any event, Aylam Orian played a role in this latest installment in the greater Stargate Universe, and Orian was born on this day in 1968. [Source: IMDB.com]
Kristen Wilson suited up nicely (even with a sword!) into the wide, wide world of Fantasy with a top role aboard Dungeons & Dragons (2000). She's also booked time aboard Prototype (1992) and Mega Python vs. Gatoroid (2011). Wilson was born on this day in 1969. [Source: IMDB.com]
Noah Taylor had a terrific role opposite Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt in Edge of Tomorrow (2014). The actor has also appeared in such properties as Predestination (2014) and Powers (2015). Taylor was born on this day in 1969.
The dreamy Ione Skye has given genre fans a little bit of lip service with her work aboard The Twilight Zone and The Dead Zone. Skye was born on this day in 1970. [Source: IMDB.com]
In CBS's apocalyptic-themed Jericho, Richard Speight Jr. played Bill, one of the local policemen forced to keep the peace when the U.S. government apparently went bye-bye. Speight was born on this day in 1970.
Funnyman Benjy Bronk is another one of the recurring features of Syfy's curiously popular Sharknado franchise. Bronk was born on this day in 1971. [Source: IMDB.com]
Screenwriter Matt Nix has been marshalling the creative forces behind Fox TV's Superhero/Drama The Gifted and the short-lived APB. Nix was born on this day in 1971. [Source: IMDB.com]
Whether you know it or not, Françoise Yip maintains an impressive resume among some very memorable SciFi projects. Since beginning her career in 1995, she's been involved in Millennium, Earth: Final Conflict, Seven Days, Robocop: Prime Directives, Mindstorm, Freedom, Smallville, Andromeda, Flash Gordon, Aliens V. Predator: Requiem, Caprica, Fringe, Sanctuary, and Arrow. Yip was born on this day in 1972.
I'm of the opinion that no version or iteration of the Power Rangers is Science Fiction, but I've been told many of the programs dabble generously in SciFi elements. So out of respect to my budding readership, I'll give longtime Power Ranger actor Jason David Frank a courteous nod: he's played Tommy Oliver for the better part of a decade. Though he's no longer with us, Frank was born on this day in 1973.
[NOTE: Sadly, Frank struggled with personal issues that ultimately led to the actor taking his own life. So if you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please share the number for the National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255. It's never too late to save a life.]
[NOTE: Sadly, Frank struggled with personal issues that ultimately led to the actor taking his own life. So if you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please share the number for the National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255. It's never too late to save a life.]
Lovely Nona Gaye was a key supporting player in both The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions. It was a role she also reprised in The Matrix Online video game. Gaye was born on this day in 1974.
I have no problem admitting that I just didn't 'get' into the Doctor Who spin-off, Torchwood. I liked the characters; I just was never all that interested in what the stories had them doing. Kai Owen played 'Rhys Williams' aboard the program, and Owen was born on this day in 1975. [Source: IMDB.com]
Wes Bentley welcomed fame and fortune as it came hand-in-hand with his part in the big screen adaptation of The Hunger Games (2012). As well he should: check out his profile on IMDB.com, and you'll see he has plenty of other opportunities in the pipeline. Bentley was born on this day in 1978.
Jaclyn Hales continues to build a resume that would interest any fan of Science Fiction: to date, she's appeared as part of Alienate (2016), Extinct, and FX's Legion. Hales was born on this day in 1986. [Source: IMDB.com]
The dreamy Charlotte Le Bon continues to be "one to watch." She even gave Science Fiction a try with a top role in Realive (2016) for Arcadia Motion Pictures. Le Bon was born on this day in 1986. [Source: IMDB.com]
Sorry, folks, but I've never gotten into any of the Power Rangers incarnations. I have seen a few episodes here and there, but I honestly couldn't tell you one ranger from the next. In any event, the talented Azim Rizk celebrates his birthday today, and he served as the 'Black Megaforce Ranger' aboard Power Rangers Megaforce. Rizk was born on this day in 1990. [Source: IMDB.com]
Young Carter Jenkins played a significant role in the short-lived Surface (2005) program alongside budding starlet Lake Bell. Jenkins has also worked on Lost, The 4400, and a variety of more mainstream fare. Jenkins was born on this day in 1991.
Newcomer Ellie Darcey-Alden and her huge head of hair enjoyed a guest spot aboard Doctor Who's "The Snowmen" in 2012. Darcey-Alden was born on this day in 1999. [Source: IMDB.com]
A star is born! On this day in 1953 (in the U.S.), Project Moon Base took audiences on a trip into the Final Frontier. Richard Talmadge directed from a script written (in part) by famed Science Fiction author Robert Heinlein, and the film starred Donna Martell, Hayden Rorke, and Ross Ford. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A saboteur posing as a scientist strives to destroy the world's first space station."
"A saboteur posing as a scientist strives to destroy the world's first space station."
On this day in 1975 (in the United Kingdom), Rollerball served up SciFi with a social commentary angle and a fair smattering of sports-related violence. Directed by Norman Jewison, the feature film starred James Caan, Maud Adams, and John Houseman. According to IMDB.com:
"In a corporate-controlled future, an ultra-violent sport known as Rollerball represents the world, and one of its powerful athletes is out to defy those who want him out of the game."
For the record:
Rollerball is one of those Science Fiction films, in my humble opinion, that probably means more for its time and place in history than it does decades later. This is not to say that it hasn't aged well but rather its themes and underlying social commentary has been afforded deeper and perhaps more relevant exposure in SciFi films since its day. In any event, Rollerball won the Saturn Award for Best Science Fiction Film for the organization's 1974/1975 ceremony, no small feat indeed.
"In a corporate-controlled future, an ultra-violent sport known as Rollerball represents the world, and one of its powerful athletes is out to defy those who want him out of the game."
For the record:
Rollerball is one of those Science Fiction films, in my humble opinion, that probably means more for its time and place in history than it does decades later. This is not to say that it hasn't aged well but rather its themes and underlying social commentary has been afforded deeper and perhaps more relevant exposure in SciFi films since its day. In any event, Rollerball won the Saturn Award for Best Science Fiction Film for the organization's 1974/1975 ceremony, no small feat indeed.
On this day in 1980 (in Belgium), Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back sent audiences through hyperspace and back to that galaxy far, far away. Directed by Irvin Kershner, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, and Carrie Fisher. According to IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After the Rebels are brutally overpowered by the Empire on the ice planet Hoth, Luke Skywalker begins Jedi training with Yoda, while his friends are pursued by Darth Vader and a bounty hunter named Boba Fett all over the galaxy."
For the record:
At the 1981 Academy Awards, The Empire Strikes Back took home top honors in the categories of 'Best Sound' along with a Special Achievement Oscar for 'Visual Effects.' At the 1981 Saturn Awards, the film took home trophies in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Actor,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Also in 1981, it took home the Hugo Award in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
"After the Rebels are brutally overpowered by the Empire on the ice planet Hoth, Luke Skywalker begins Jedi training with Yoda, while his friends are pursued by Darth Vader and a bounty hunter named Boba Fett all over the galaxy."
For the record:
At the 1981 Academy Awards, The Empire Strikes Back took home top honors in the categories of 'Best Sound' along with a Special Achievement Oscar for 'Visual Effects.' At the 1981 Saturn Awards, the film took home trophies in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Actor,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Also in 1981, it took home the Hugo Award in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
On this day in 1981 (in West Germany), Conquest Of The Earth continued the star saga that began aboard Battlestar Galactica on the silver screen. (Essentially, this was a culling together of the two-part series premiere for Galactica 1980 but played in cinemas around the world.) The feature film starred Kent McCord, Barry Van Dyke, and Robyn Douglass. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The Battlestar Galactica and its ragtag fleet of ships finally locate the Earth, only to discover that the planet is not prepared for the inevitable Cylon invasion."
"The Battlestar Galactica and its ragtag fleet of ships finally locate the Earth, only to discover that the planet is not prepared for the inevitable Cylon invasion."
On this day in 1981 (in Iceland), Star Trek: The Motion Picture took audiences back to the world of tomorrow as envisioned by Gene Roddenberry. Directed by Robert Wise, the feature film starred William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, and DeForest Kelley; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When an alien spacecraft of enormous power is spotted approaching Earth, Admiral James T. Kirk resumes command of the overhauled USS Enterprise in order to intercept it."
For the record:
Star Trek enjoyed a trio of Academy Awards nominations -- 'Best Art Direction - Set Decoration,' 'Best Effects - Visual Effects,' and 'Best Music - Original Score' -- yet failed to take home any trophies. It did, however, take home the Saturn Award for 'Best Special Effects' in the 1980 ceremony. Lastly, it enjoyed the nomination only for 'Best Dramatic Presentation' from the 1980 Hugo Awards.
"When an alien spacecraft of enormous power is spotted approaching Earth, Admiral James T. Kirk resumes command of the overhauled USS Enterprise in order to intercept it."
For the record:
Star Trek enjoyed a trio of Academy Awards nominations -- 'Best Art Direction - Set Decoration,' 'Best Effects - Visual Effects,' and 'Best Music - Original Score' -- yet failed to take home any trophies. It did, however, take home the Saturn Award for 'Best Special Effects' in the 1980 ceremony. Lastly, it enjoyed the nomination only for 'Best Dramatic Presentation' from the 1980 Hugo Awards.
Look ... up in the sky ... it's a bird ... it's a plane ... it's ... it's ... nah, I don't know what it is, but on this day in 1981 (in Portugal) a little something something called Supersonic Man enjoyed a release in theaters. Written (in part) and directed by Juan Piquer Simón, the film starred Antonio Cantafora, Cameron Mitchell, and José Luis Ayestarán. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An alien, "Supersonic Man," is sent to Earth to thwart the plans of evil men who would destroy the galaxy itself with their weapons. Only his superpowers, which include flight, bulletproof skin, and the ability to turn guns into bananas, can save Earth from destruction."
"An alien, "Supersonic Man," is sent to Earth to thwart the plans of evil men who would destroy the galaxy itself with their weapons. Only his superpowers, which include flight, bulletproof skin, and the ability to turn guns into bananas, can save Earth from destruction."
On this day in 1990 (in Thailand and the Philippines), Total Recall enjoyed its theatrical debut. Directed by Paul Verhoeven, the SciFi film starred Arnold Schwarzenegger, Michael Ironside, and Sharon Stone; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When a man goes for virtual vacation memories of the planet Mars, an unexpected and harrowing series of events forces him to go to the planet for real - or is he?"
For the record:
Truth be told, Paul Verhoeven's Total Recall languished in development for some time; I've read that it was written in the late 1970's and jumped around awhile before landing with the director and Schwarzenegger to complete. And complete it they did to an awful lot of praise from industry executives and film organizations. In 1991, it won an Academy Award for 'Special Achievement' in the field of visual effects. That same year, it took home the 'Best Science Fiction Film' Saturn Award from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films. Alas, it lost the 1991 Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation' to -- ahem -- Tim Burton's Edward Scissorhands. Sigh.
"When a man goes for virtual vacation memories of the planet Mars, an unexpected and harrowing series of events forces him to go to the planet for real - or is he?"
For the record:
Truth be told, Paul Verhoeven's Total Recall languished in development for some time; I've read that it was written in the late 1970's and jumped around awhile before landing with the director and Schwarzenegger to complete. And complete it they did to an awful lot of praise from industry executives and film organizations. In 1991, it won an Academy Award for 'Special Achievement' in the field of visual effects. That same year, it took home the 'Best Science Fiction Film' Saturn Award from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films. Alas, it lost the 1991 Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation' to -- ahem -- Tim Burton's Edward Scissorhands. Sigh.
On this day in 1993 (in Japan), Cyborg Cop took to the streets to clean up crime. Directed by Sam Firstenberg, the SciFi feature starred David Bradley, Alonna Shaw, and Todd Jensen. Here's the premise that's been provided by IMDB.com:
"Ex-D.E.A. Agent Jack receives an emergency message from his brother Phillip, whose team was ambushed on the Caribbean island of St. Keith. Jack goes to St. Keith to find his brother, who has been turned into a cyborg by the drug runner he was after."
"Ex-D.E.A. Agent Jack receives an emergency message from his brother Phillip, whose team was ambushed on the Caribbean island of St. Keith. Jack goes to St. Keith to find his brother, who has been turned into a cyborg by the drug runner he was after."
On this day in 1997 (in Hungary), Alien Nation: Millennium continued to build the Alien Nation's TV saga ... but in telefilm format. Written (in part) and directed by Kenneth Johnson, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Gary Graham, Eric Pierpoint, and Michele Scarabelli. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"It's December 1999 and as the end of the millennium approaches, people are attempting to find spiritual enlightenment. However, a few people want to skip all the work that entails. A holy Tenctonese relic in the hands of a heretic is giving them a shortcut but it's not quite as easily controlled as she says."
For the record:
At the 1996 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), the film enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Single Genre Television Presentation.'
"It's December 1999 and as the end of the millennium approaches, people are attempting to find spiritual enlightenment. However, a few people want to skip all the work that entails. A holy Tenctonese relic in the hands of a heretic is giving them a shortcut but it's not quite as easily controlled as she says."
For the record:
At the 1996 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), the film enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Single Genre Television Presentation.'
A star is born! On this day in 2006 (in Italy), The Fountain enjoyed its first theatrical presentation ever when it played for audiences in attendance of the Venice Film Festival. Written (in part) and directed by Darren Aronofsky, the SciFi/Drama starred Hugh Jackman, Rachel Weisz, and Sean Patrick Thomas. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"As a modern-day scientist, Tommy is struggling with mortality, desperately searching for the medical breakthrough that will save the life of his cancer-stricken wife, Izzi."
For the record:
At the 2007 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), The Fountain enjoyed nominations in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Actor,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"As a modern-day scientist, Tommy is struggling with mortality, desperately searching for the medical breakthrough that will save the life of his cancer-stricken wife, Izzi."
For the record:
At the 2007 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), The Fountain enjoyed nominations in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Actor,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
On this day in 2007 (in Hungary), the SciFi/Telefilm A.I. Assault (aka Shockwave) assaulted viewers with its robotic goodness. Written (in part) and directed by Jim Wynorski, the SciFi/Thriller starred Joe Lando, Josh Coxx, and Lisa LoCicero; and here's the premise that's been provided via IMDB.com:
"When a plane carrying a pair of top secret military robots crashes on a deserted Pacific island, a team of Navy seals must find them and turn them off as soon as possible for the longer they are activated, the smarter they become."
"When a plane carrying a pair of top secret military robots crashes on a deserted Pacific island, a team of Navy seals must find them and turn them off as soon as possible for the longer they are activated, the smarter they become."
On this day in 2013 (in the Philippines), The Colony opened its doors for business. (Theatrically, that is.) Written (in part) and directed by Jeff Renfroe, the Apocalypse feature starred Laurence Fishburne, Kevin Zegers, and Bill Paxton; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Forced underground by the next ice age, a struggling outpost of survivors must fight to preserve humanity against a threat even more savage than nature."
For the record:
For the 2013 ceremony of the Sitges - Catalonian International Film Festival, The Colony won top honors with the Official Fantàstic Panorama Selection Grand Prize.
"Forced underground by the next ice age, a struggling outpost of survivors must fight to preserve humanity against a threat even more savage than nature."
For the record:
For the 2013 ceremony of the Sitges - Catalonian International Film Festival, The Colony won top honors with the Official Fantàstic Panorama Selection Grand Prize.
On this day in 2014 (in Hungary), a very special Director's Cut of Ridley Scott's Alien enjoyed a rare theatrical re-release. Directed by Ridley Scott, the SciFi/Horror starred Sigourney Weaver, Tom Skerritt, and John Hurt. According to IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After a space merchant vessel receives an unknown transmission as a distress call, one of the crew is attacked by a mysterious life form and they soon realize that its life cycle has merely begun."
For the record:
he 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.
"After a space merchant vessel receives an unknown transmission as a distress call, one of the crew is attacked by a mysterious life form and they soon realize that its life cycle has merely begun."
For the record:
he 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 2014 (in Germany), Perfect: Android Rising enjoyed its debut in the home video marketplace. Written and directed by Chris R. Notarile, the SciFi/Thriller starred Roberto Lombardi, Samantha Ruston, and Kasey Williams. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Set in the near future, LIA (the perfect killing machine) is sent into a war zone to eradicate the rebel threat. But when a sneak attack EMP blast shuts down her CPU, LIA is captured by the resistance and reprogrammed to think and feel."
"Set in the near future, LIA (the perfect killing machine) is sent into a war zone to eradicate the rebel threat. But when a sneak attack EMP blast shuts down her CPU, LIA is captured by the resistance and reprogrammed to think and feel."
The truth is out there! On this day in 2018, UFO enjoyed its U.S. debut via the Internet. Written and directed by Ryan Eslinger, the SciFi feature starred Gillian Anderson, Enna Purnell, and Alex Sharp; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Derek, a brilliant college student, haunted by a childhood UFO sighting, believes that mysterious sightings reported at multiple airports across the United States are UFO's. With the help of his girlfriend, Natalie, and his advanced mathematics professor, Dr. Hendricks, Derek races to unravel the mystery with FBI special agent Franklin Ahls on his heels."
"Derek, a brilliant college student, haunted by a childhood UFO sighting, believes that mysterious sightings reported at multiple airports across the United States are UFO's. With the help of his girlfriend, Natalie, and his advanced mathematics professor, Dr. Hendricks, Derek races to unravel the mystery with FBI special agent Franklin Ahls on his heels."
It all began right here: on this day in 1954, TV's Captain Midnight premiered on television. The first episode was titled "Murder by Radiation," and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Captain Midnight goes into action when a fragment of a powerful radioactive element called Ormondium is stolen by foreign agents."
"Captain Midnight goes into action when a fragment of a powerful radioactive element called Ormondium is stolen by foreign agents."
On this day in 1975 (in the United Kingdom), Space:1999 aired its very first episode. The series premiere was titled "Breakaway," and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The new commander of Moonbase Alpha's investigation of a mysterious disease uncovers the evidence of a far greater looming disaster."
"The new commander of Moonbase Alpha's investigation of a mysterious disease uncovers the evidence of a far greater looming disaster."
On this day in 1976 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who launched into its fourteenth television season with the airing of "The Masque Of Mandragora: Part 1." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the premise:
"The Doctor and Sarah are drawn into the Mandragora Helix, an entity which exists among the stars and which transports the TARDIS to 15th century Italy."
"The Doctor and Sarah are drawn into the Mandragora Helix, an entity which exists among the stars and which transports the TARDIS to 15th century Italy."
On this day in 1976, Space: 1999 returned to the airwaves for its second season. The episode was called "The Metamorph," and here's the plot summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"An Eagle is sent onto the surface of the planet Psychon, which has titanium, needed for repairs to the Alpha Base. It fails to return and is used by Psychon scientist Mentor as a bait with which to entice other members of the Alphan crew onto the planet. Mentor is building a computer but it will be fuelled by the living brains of humans, and he has his eye on those of the Alphan crew. Fortunately his daughter, the shape-shifting Maya, does not share her father's views and is on the side of the Alphans."
"An Eagle is sent onto the surface of the planet Psychon, which has titanium, needed for repairs to the Alpha Base. It fails to return and is used by Psychon scientist Mentor as a bait with which to entice other members of the Alphan crew onto the planet. Mentor is building a computer but it will be fuelled by the living brains of humans, and he has his eye on those of the Alphan crew. Fortunately his daughter, the shape-shifting Maya, does not share her father's views and is on the side of the Alphans."
On this day in 1980 (in the United Kingdom), Battlestar Galactica enjoyed its television premiere. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary for the pilot episode, "Saga Of A Star World":
"After the Twelve Colonies of Mankind were destroyed in a sneak attack by the Cylon tyranny, the last Battlestar Galactica leads a makeshift fugitive fleet on a desperate search for the legendary planet Earth."
"After the Twelve Colonies of Mankind were destroyed in a sneak attack by the Cylon tyranny, the last Battlestar Galactica leads a makeshift fugitive fleet on a desperate search for the legendary planet Earth."
It all began right here: on this day in 1981 (in the United Kingdom), Kinvig launched onto the small screen with the airing of its pilot episode, "Contact." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Lazy repairman Des Kinvig's life changes when he imagines meeting a glamorous alien from Mercury, who looks a lot like his latest customer Miss Griffin."
"Lazy repairman Des Kinvig's life changes when he imagines meeting a glamorous alien from Mercury, who looks a lot like his latest customer Miss Griffin."
On this day in 1990 (in West Germany), Buck Rogers In The 25th Century aired "Awakening: Part 1." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In 1987, a space phenomenon sends NASA astronaut William "Buck" Rogers and his space shuttle off course and freezes his life support systems for 500 years. In 2491, he awakens aboard the flagship Draconia, under the command of Princess Ardala and her henchman Kane, a former native of Earth. The Draconians repair Buck's shuttle, but secretly plant a homing beacon aboard to track a path through Earth's defense shield. Upon arriving on Earth, Buck learns that everyone he knew had perished in a nuclear holocaust and Earth has been rebuilt over the centuries. However, he must adjust to the 25th century, and convince the Earth Defense Directorate that the Draconians are secretly planning to conquer Earth."
"In 1987, a space phenomenon sends NASA astronaut William "Buck" Rogers and his space shuttle off course and freezes his life support systems for 500 years. In 2491, he awakens aboard the flagship Draconia, under the command of Princess Ardala and her henchman Kane, a former native of Earth. The Draconians repair Buck's shuttle, but secretly plant a homing beacon aboard to track a path through Earth's defense shield. Upon arriving on Earth, Buck learns that everyone he knew had perished in a nuclear holocaust and Earth has been rebuilt over the centuries. However, he must adjust to the 25th century, and convince the Earth Defense Directorate that the Draconians are secretly planning to conquer Earth."
On this day in 1993, Saban's Mighty Morphin Power Rangers aired "High Five." This served as the second episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Rita plans to trap the Rangers in a time trap like the one she trapped Zordon in and to do this she sends a fresh monster to the amusement park. Will the Power Rangers be able to defeat Bones, and will one of the Rangers overcome her fear of heights when a friend is in danger?"
"Rita plans to trap the Rangers in a time trap like the one she trapped Zordon in and to do this she sends a fresh monster to the amusement park. Will the Power Rangers be able to defeat Bones, and will one of the Rangers overcome her fear of heights when a friend is in danger?"
As can happen from time-to-time, episodes are not always aired in the order they were intended ... and on this day in 1993, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers aired "Food Fight." This served as the sixth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"There's a food festival at the juice bar and the rangers are doing their part to help run it to raise money. Everything goes well until Bulk and Skull start a food fight that wastes most of the food. To make things worse, Rita, who is feeling very ill, unleashes a monster with a voracious appetite for just about everything, including the Power Rangers weapons!"
"There's a food festival at the juice bar and the rangers are doing their part to help run it to raise money. Everything goes well until Bulk and Skull start a food fight that wastes most of the food. To make things worse, Rita, who is feeling very ill, unleashes a monster with a voracious appetite for just about everything, including the Power Rangers weapons!"
On this day in 1995, Star Trek: Voyager aired "Initiations." This served as the second episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Chakotay is captured by a young Kazon who is undergoing a manhood ritual."
"Chakotay is captured by a young Kazon who is undergoing a manhood ritual."
It all began right here: on this day in 1995, Xena: Warrior Princess premiered in television syndication. The first episode was titled "Sins Of The Past," and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Xena, formerly a ruthless warlord, appears on the scene to prove she has changed her ways. While fighting to protect the innocent she rescues a young aspiring bard, Gabrielle, who becomes her traveling companion."
"Xena, formerly a ruthless warlord, appears on the scene to prove she has changed her ways. While fighting to protect the innocent she rescues a young aspiring bard, Gabrielle, who becomes her traveling companion."
On this day in 1996, Star Trek: Voyager premiered its third season on the UPN Network, airing "Basics, Part 2," the conclusion of a cliffhanger spawned at the end of its second season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The entire Voyager was marooned on a desolate planet by the Kazon. Tom Paris was sent out to try and find someone who can help them. And Lon Suder and the Doctor who are still on Voyager try to help."
"The entire Voyager was marooned on a desolate planet by the Kazon. Tom Paris was sent out to try and find someone who can help them. And Lon Suder and the Doctor who are still on Voyager try to help."
You're all free to think what you might about the Star Wars universe -- yes, that OTHER big space franchise. Me? I like it well enough. I figure that the universe is big enough for me to have many sci-fi loves in my life. Anyway, on this day in 2013, Dark Horse Comics launched the first issue of The Star Wars. It was an impressive experiment that actually went back to George Lucas's original script for his expansive space opera and re-examined the story from that unique perspective. Familiar characters were given new looks, as well as new origins, but, for my tastes, it felt an awful lot more like the Prequel Trilogy than it did the Original Trilogy.
