Televised Fantasies have long tinkered with reasons that we culturally divide one another, and though I've never seen this one it certainly sounds like the short-lived Knights Of God explored two of our biggest divides together: religion and government. (The program's first episode aired on this day back in 1987.) Filmed in 1985 but set in 2020, the show enjoyed a strong cast paired with stories exploring the attempt to return a semblance of freedom to these promised lands. Here's the series' premise as provided by IMDB.com:
"In the year 2020, Britain is divided into North and South. The Royal Family has been deposed and in its place rule the Knights of God, a harsh militaristic religious order headed by Prior Mordrin. But a rebel movement is growing, in spite of Mordrin's brainwashing "re-education" camps, and joining it are two love-struck teenagers, Gervase and Julia, who escape from one of the camps to join a quest to find the rightful King of England, and thus re-establish democracy and order to the land."
"In the year 2020, Britain is divided into North and South. The Royal Family has been deposed and in its place rule the Knights of God, a harsh militaristic religious order headed by Prior Mordrin. But a rebel movement is growing, in spite of Mordrin's brainwashing "re-education" camps, and joining it are two love-struck teenagers, Gervase and Julia, who escape from one of the camps to join a quest to find the rightful King of England, and thus re-establish democracy and order to the land."
Think what you may, but I've always found Superman: The Animated Series the very best incarnation of televised Supes in the history of television. (I'm willing to change my mind if another version surpasses its greatness someday.) The stories embraced the wider mythology and brought a maturity to animation that the young and young-at-heart could equally enjoy. It lasted for three incredible seasons, and it certainly gave actor Tim Daly some of the best work of his professional career in bringing to life vocally both Clark Kent and the Man of Steel. It first premiered in a three-part installment on this day in 1996. Here's the series' premise as provided by IMDB.com:
"Set in present day Metropolis against the backdrop of a bright, urban landscape, the ageless superhero combats sinister villains and rescues innocent victims in exciting new stories based on universal themes encompassing the same time-honored tradition of the classic Superman legend."
"Set in present day Metropolis against the backdrop of a bright, urban landscape, the ageless superhero combats sinister villains and rescues innocent victims in exciting new stories based on universal themes encompassing the same time-honored tradition of the classic Superman legend."
One of the things I admired about Star Trek: The Next Generation during its seven year run is that the show was usually very respectful to some of its secondary characters. In one respect, sure, I suppose it's nice to play a character with a name; but it's even more exciting to see some of those characters actually hang around and progress in an albeit fictional career on the program. If nothing else, it helps bring a sense of reality to the fantasy.
Such was the case with Patti Yasutake, better known to TNG fans as Nurse Ogawa ... then Doctor Ogawa. Yasutake was born on this day back in 1953, and she had the good fortune of serving the crew of the Enterprise-D and E all the way through 1996's Star Trek: First Contact.
Such was the case with Patti Yasutake, better known to TNG fans as Nurse Ogawa ... then Doctor Ogawa. Yasutake was born on this day back in 1953, and she had the good fortune of serving the crew of the Enterprise-D and E all the way through 1996's Star Trek: First Contact.
The venerable Swoosie Kurtz joined NBC's Heroes for a handful of episodes; otherwise her resume is far more mainstream dramas and comedies. Kurtz was born on this day in 1944.
Funny lady Jane Curtain lampooned some of the conventions of Science Fiction with her work aboard Coneheads (1993), a theatrical extension to a popular Saturday Night Live skit. She also dabbled in the realm of SciFi/Sitcoms with appearances aboard NBC's 3rd Rock From The Sun. Curtain was born on this day in 1947. [Source: IMDB.com]
Throughout her career, Katherine Cannon lit up both the big and the small screen playing strong women. Genre fans know her work from Future Cop, Battlestar Galactica, The Incredible Hulk, Airwolf, The Hidden (1987), and Seven Days. Cannon was born on this day in 1953.
There she is! The prettiest girl in all of the original Colonial Fleet! For those of you who don't know, that there is the lovely Anne Lockhart, better known to Battlestar Galactica fans as Lieutenant Sheba. After Battlestar's single season run, SciFi fans were fortunate enough to have her turn up with roles in Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, Voyagers!, Tales of the Gold Monkey, Airwolf, Automan, and Quantum Leap. She even had an uncredited part in E.T. - The Extraterrestrial. Lockhart was born on this day in 1953.
Everyone's favorite human noisemaker -- comedian Michael Winslow -- lent his vocal antics to the world of Mel Brooks in the spoof of the popular Star Wars saga better known as Spaceballs. Winslow was born on this day in 1958.
Here's today's public service announcement for all red-blooded males: Playboy Magazine isn't just for good articles, you know ... it's actually produced some very lovely ladies! And several of those lovely ladies have made the transition from print to the screen, including the statuesque Peggy McIntaggart, shown above in holographic form from Cyber-Tracker 2 (1995). McIntaggart was born on this day in 1961.
The lovely Betsy Russell got her humble start in an episode of The Powers of Matthew Star before moving on to a guest spot in Superboy as well as a prominent role in the Saw franchise. Russell was born on this day in 1963.
Wow. What a career! In a relatively short span of time, Chad Coleman has gone from fighting the Undead aboard AMC's signature horror The Walking Dead to probing the depths of outer space in Syfy's The Expanse. And -- in between? He managed to squeeze in a visit to the CW's Arrow program. Awesome. Coleman was born on this day in 1966.
I haven't seen Children of Dune, mostly because folks whom I know and trust have told me that the follow-up miniseries was a bit confusing after the original Dune. In any event, kudos to the lovely Barbora Kodetová for bringing her acting talent to the program, and I'm sure I'll see this as it's on my bucket list. Kodetová was born on this day in 1970.
Over the past few years, actor Idris Elba has really grown into somewhat of a critical favorite around the world. He captained the ship in Ridley Scott's Prometheus (2012), and hopefully we'll continue to see more of his sterling skills in the years ahead. Mr. Elba was born on this day back in 1972.
Sarah Danielle Madison faced dinosaurs in Jurassic Park III (2001) before moving on to other less fantastical fare, such as Savage Planet (2007) and Pig (2011). Though she's no longer with us, Madison was born on this day in 1974.
Sarah Strange has a name that just keeps on giving! This lovely lady possesses a resume rich in both real and voice-acting roles, but SciFi folks probably know her best from Stargate: SG-1. Strange was born on this day in 1974.
Justin Whalin (above right) filled in the shoes of the impressionable Jimmy Olsen for 66 episodes of Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman. Whalin was born on this day in 1974.
Back in the mid-1990's, a fetching Naomie Harris (center) embraced her budding stardom with a role in The Tomorrow People, a reboot that didn't quite stick. Still, she's moved on to bigger things, including joining Daniel Craig in the most recent string of James Bond films. Harris was born on this day in 1976.
Overall, I was more than a bit disappointed with FX's adaptation of The Strain, but one of the things the show got right was casting voice actor extraordinaire Robin Atkin Downes to bring the legendary source of evil to life vocally. The artist maintains an incredible resume on IMDB.com which I encourage every one to check out, and Downes was born on this day in 1976. [Source: IMDB.com]
When G.I. Joe was given new animated life on the small screen in the guise of G.I. Joe: Renegades (2010-2011), the lovely Natalia Cigliuti was tasked with bringing 'Scarlett' to vocal life. Cigliuti was born on this day in 1978. [Source: IMDB.com]
Hailing from London, dreamy Tehmina Sunny has the kind of good looks that'll be embraced the world round. She's had roles in Children of Men (2006), Heroes, and CBS's Extant. Sunny was born on this day in 1980.
A veritable master of playing quirky females (but beautiful nonetheless), Lauren Lapkus helped round out the IT staff for the latest disaster to frighten the Bejezus out of the park-goers at Jurassic World (2015). Lapkus was born on this day in 1985.
I don't know about the rest of you, but I grew up in a little 'podunk' town in the middle of nowhere. I also grew up at a time when we didn't have a billion channels on the TV to choose from -- on a good day, we had six! One of the local small market channels would play these old black'n'white science fiction flicks on Friday night and/or Saturday morning; and, although I can't remember seeing Fire Maidens from Outer Space, this one sounds like something I probably watched (and loved) as a kid. Here's the summary from IMDB.com:
"A team of astronauts lands on a moon of Jupiter to find it populated with beautiful young women looking for mates. An old man explains to the explorers the group's story, as well as the moon's dangers."
The film premiered on this day in 1956.
"A team of astronauts lands on a moon of Jupiter to find it populated with beautiful young women looking for mates. An old man explains to the explorers the group's story, as well as the moon's dangers."
The film premiered on this day in 1956.
On this day in 1957 (in West Germany), 20 Million Miles To Earth premiered theatrically. The feature starred William Hopper and Joan Taylor, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"The first U.S. spaceship to Venus crash-lands off the coast of Sicily on its return trip. A dangerous, lizard-like creature comes with it and quickly grows gigantic."
"The first U.S. spaceship to Venus crash-lands off the coast of Sicily on its return trip. A dangerous, lizard-like creature comes with it and quickly grows gigantic."
On this day in 1971 (in Sweden), the Czech-language SciFi/Fantasy Na Komete (aka On The Comet) roared cinematically. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When a comet passes the earth very closely, it pulls a small part of North Africa with it. Carried along is a bunch of people. Among them Angelika, who just escaped from a ruthless weapon dealer's ship, and her two brothers, who are searching her. Then there's a group of natives, who plan a rebellion against the French colonists. All these conflicts become secondary when the people finally realize that they are doomed to live together on an alien planet. However this time of peace and world-happiness won't last for long..."
"When a comet passes the earth very closely, it pulls a small part of North Africa with it. Carried along is a bunch of people. Among them Angelika, who just escaped from a ruthless weapon dealer's ship, and her two brothers, who are searching her. Then there's a group of natives, who plan a rebellion against the French colonists. All these conflicts become secondary when the people finally realize that they are doomed to live together on an alien planet. However this time of peace and world-happiness won't last for long..."
On this day in 1974 (in Ireland), The Final Programme (aka The Last Days Of Man On Earth) took audiences on a mind-bending espionage-fueled trip. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After the death of his Nobel Prize-winning father, billionaire physicist Jerry Cornelius becomes embroiled in the search for the mysterious "Final Programme", developed by his father. The programme, a design for a perfect, self-replicating human being, is contained on microfilm. A group of scientists, led by the formidable Miss Brunner (who consumes her lovers), has sought Cornelius's help in obtaining it. After a chase across a war-torn Europe on the verge of anarchy, Brunner and Cornelius obtain the microfilm from Jerry's loathsome brother Frank. They proceed to an abandoned underground Nazi fortress in the Arctic to run the programme, with Jerry and Miss Brunner as the subjects."
"After the death of his Nobel Prize-winning father, billionaire physicist Jerry Cornelius becomes embroiled in the search for the mysterious "Final Programme", developed by his father. The programme, a design for a perfect, self-replicating human being, is contained on microfilm. A group of scientists, led by the formidable Miss Brunner (who consumes her lovers), has sought Cornelius's help in obtaining it. After a chase across a war-torn Europe on the verge of anarchy, Brunner and Cornelius obtain the microfilm from Jerry's loathsome brother Frank. They proceed to an abandoned underground Nazi fortress in the Arctic to run the programme, with Jerry and Miss Brunner as the subjects."
A star is born! On this day in 1985 (in Italy), the Fantasy/Western hybrid Tex and the Lord of the Deep opened to unsuspecting audiences. The feature starred Giuliano Gemma and William Berger, and here's the plot summary as detailed on IMDB.com:
"Based on the adventures of the hero Tex from the comic strip by Bonelli. An interesting spaghetti-western/fantasy movie that blends magic and mythology with six-guns and stagecoaches."
"Based on the adventures of the hero Tex from the comic strip by Bonelli. An interesting spaghetti-western/fantasy movie that blends magic and mythology with six-guns and stagecoaches."
On this day in 1996 (in Japan), Nemesis III: Time Lapse delved a bit deeper into that franchise's universe. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Alex again fighting the cyborg mercenaries in 1998 East Africa. This time, Alex finds that she has 20 half sisters who are waiting for her to return to 2077. Central Command wants Alex captured alive and scanned to see if her DNA is a strong and more powerful strain than the normal. But Alex may be too tough for Farnsworth to capture."
"Alex again fighting the cyborg mercenaries in 1998 East Africa. This time, Alex finds that she has 20 half sisters who are waiting for her to return to 2077. Central Command wants Alex captured alive and scanned to see if her DNA is a strong and more powerful strain than the normal. But Alex may be too tough for Farnsworth to capture."
On this day in 1998 (in Germany), Gargantua came to big, big life. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary for the Fantasy feature:
"Marine biologist Jack Ellway and his son Brandon are drawn to the Polynesian island of Malau to study the effects of recent seismic activity on the area's marine life. Along with the local doctor Alyson Hart, they soon become caught up in the investigation of a series of recent drownings with unexpected results. As Jack explores the surrounding ocean for a mysterious marine creature, Brandon discovers and befriends a three-foot-long baby creature that is able to leave the ocean and walk on land. As more dangerous and giant creatures come onto the island, and the military begins to take offensive action, Jack must risk everything to save the creatures, the island and his son."
"Marine biologist Jack Ellway and his son Brandon are drawn to the Polynesian island of Malau to study the effects of recent seismic activity on the area's marine life. Along with the local doctor Alyson Hart, they soon become caught up in the investigation of a series of recent drownings with unexpected results. As Jack explores the surrounding ocean for a mysterious marine creature, Brandon discovers and befriends a three-foot-long baby creature that is able to leave the ocean and walk on land. As more dangerous and giant creatures come onto the island, and the military begins to take offensive action, Jack must risk everything to save the creatures, the island and his son."
A star is born! On this day in 2003, the SciFi/Telefilm Bugs gave the lovely Angie Everhart and Antonio Sabato Jr. something a bit different to investigate. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An entomologist accompanies a team of commandos to prevent prehistoric insects from escaping from a subway system."
"An entomologist accompanies a team of commandos to prevent prehistoric insects from escaping from a subway system."
A star is born! On this day in 2011 (in France), Real Steel enjoyed its first theatrical engagement ever. Directed by Shawn Levy, the SciFi feature starred Hugh Jackman, Evangeline Lilly, and Dakota Goyo; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In the near future, robots have taken over for humans in the boxing ring. A former boxer and small-time promoter struggles to make a living with patched-up robots in shady venues. When he discovers he has an 11-year-old son who believes that a robot found in the junk heap has what it takes to win, he finds himself with a shot at the big time."
"In the near future, robots have taken over for humans in the boxing ring. A former boxer and small-time promoter struggles to make a living with patched-up robots in shady venues. When he discovers he has an 11-year-old son who believes that a robot found in the junk heap has what it takes to win, he finds himself with a shot at the big time."
On this day in 2013, the Apocalypse/Thriller Bounty Killer shot 'em up at the box office. The feature starred Matthew Marsden and Christian Pitre, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Bounty killers compete for body count, fame and a fat stack of cash. They're ending the plague of corporate greed and providing the survivors of the apocalypse with retribution. This is the age of the BOUNTY KILLER."
"Bounty killers compete for body count, fame and a fat stack of cash. They're ending the plague of corporate greed and providing the survivors of the apocalypse with retribution. This is the age of the BOUNTY KILLER."
A star is born! On this day in 2013, InSpectres took another look at the supernatural-themed comedy. Directed by Darren Orange, the feature starred Lucas Thompson, Brian Barber, and Mike Mauloff; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In a world where ghosts, ghouls, and goblins are a common place, the InSpectres are the only exterminators capable of eliminating these supernatural nuisances! After a run in with a zombie, Lucas joins the InSpectres as an agent in training. He, his mentor Tracey, and company embark on eerily funny adventure aimed at re-capturing entities freed from a government holding facility by a corporate saboteur. They encounter a variety of released oddities on their path to identifying the saboteur: an invisible Hollywood fan-boy, a party animal wolf-man, and a group of German gremlins who fix 8-Bit arcade machines. The motley crew tracks the culprit across the country to prevent Armageddon. In the end, the Inspectres' heart and persistence prove exactly why they are the ones who "...fight the forces of darkness so you don't have to!"
"In a world where ghosts, ghouls, and goblins are a common place, the InSpectres are the only exterminators capable of eliminating these supernatural nuisances! After a run in with a zombie, Lucas joins the InSpectres as an agent in training. He, his mentor Tracey, and company embark on eerily funny adventure aimed at re-capturing entities freed from a government holding facility by a corporate saboteur. They encounter a variety of released oddities on their path to identifying the saboteur: an invisible Hollywood fan-boy, a party animal wolf-man, and a group of German gremlins who fix 8-Bit arcade machines. The motley crew tracks the culprit across the country to prevent Armageddon. In the end, the Inspectres' heart and persistence prove exactly why they are the ones who "...fight the forces of darkness so you don't have to!"
I don't want to say that I was disappointed with Riddick -- which premiered theatrically on this day in 2013 -- but, to put it bluntly, I was disappointed with Riddick. Don't get me wrong: I'm all for giving a guy a dog (I have a few of them myself), but so much of the film felt like it was two different motion pictures trying to compete with one another. The end result? It was all a bit messy and derivative, though it did give the loner a conjugal visit with no less than Katee Sackhoff. In any event, here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Left for dead on a sun-scorched planet, Riddick finds himself up against an alien race of predators. Activating an emergency beacon alerts two ships: one carrying a new breed of mercenary, the other captained by a man from Riddick's past."
"Left for dead on a sun-scorched planet, Riddick finds himself up against an alien race of predators. Activating an emergency beacon alerts two ships: one carrying a new breed of mercenary, the other captained by a man from Riddick's past."
On this day in 1967, Irwin Allen's Lost In Space premiered its third (and final) season with an hour titled "Condemned Of Space." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The Robinsons leave their planet to escape a collision with a comet and find a ship full of frozen convicts."
"The Robinsons leave their planet to escape a collision with a comet and find a ship full of frozen convicts."
On this day in 1986, Doctor Who returned to the airwaves with the premiere of its twenty-third season. The adventure was titled "Trial of a Timelord: Part 1," and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Doctor is put on trail by the Time Lords again. The first of two events from his resent past is presented as evidence of his interference in the affairs of other worlds. In particular, his actions on planet Ravalox."
"The Doctor is put on trail by the Time Lords again. The first of two events from his resent past is presented as evidence of his interference in the affairs of other worlds. In particular, his actions on planet Ravalox."
It all began right here: on this day in 1987 (in the United Kingdom), Knights Of God aired the very first episode of its single broadcast season existence. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The year is 2020. After a civil war, Britain is being ruled by the Knights of God. But plans are being made for a rebellion - with a young man being singled out for a mysterious, but vital, role."
"The year is 2020. After a civil war, Britain is being ruled by the Knights of God. But plans are being made for a rebellion - with a young man being singled out for a mysterious, but vital, role."
On this day in 1989, Doctor Who premiered what would be its twenty-sixth and final season (of the original run) for the BBC. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary for "Battlefield: Part 1":
"Knights from a parallel universe arrive on Earth to find the legendary sword Excalibur. And only the Doctor and Ace with the assistance of Brigadier Lethbridge Stewart and save the Earth from total catastrophe."
"Knights from a parallel universe arrive on Earth to find the legendary sword Excalibur. And only the Doctor and Ace with the assistance of Brigadier Lethbridge Stewart and save the Earth from total catastrophe."
It all began right here: on this day in 1996, Superman: The Animated Series soared onto the small screen. The first episode was titled "The Last Son Of Krypton: Part 1," and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Jor-El, unable to convince the Kryptonian government of the pending destruction of the planet, plans to save his son while Brainiac makes him a fugitive."
"Jor-El, unable to convince the Kryptonian government of the pending destruction of the planet, plans to save his son while Brainiac makes him a fugitive."
On this day in 1996, Superman: The Animated Series aired "The Last Son Of Krypton: Part 2." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Young Clark Kent learns of his alien past, as well as his full power, and decides to move to Metropolis to be both reporter and superhero."
"Young Clark Kent learns of his alien past, as well as his full power, and decides to move to Metropolis to be both reporter and superhero."
On this day in 1996, Superman: The Animated Series aired "The Last Son Of Krypton: Part 3." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After saving Lois, Superman stops Lex Luthor's plans for an illegal arms deal, which is the beginning of their ongoing conflict."
"After saving Lois, Superman stops Lex Luthor's plans for an illegal arms deal, which is the beginning of their ongoing conflict."
On this day in 2002, Justice League aired "Injustice For All: Part 1." This served as the eighteenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Arrested and terminally ill, Lex Luthor breaks out of prison to assemble a team of supervillains to help him destroy the Justice League."
"Arrested and terminally ill, Lex Luthor breaks out of prison to assemble a team of supervillains to help him destroy the Justice League."
On this day in 2003, Mobile Suit Gundam Seed aired "The Nightmare's Return." This served as the forty-seventh episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A war is under way between genetically enhanced Coordinators and unmodified Naturals."
"A war is under way between genetically enhanced Coordinators and unmodified Naturals."
On this day in 2003, the cult series Starhunter aired "Spaceman." This served as the fifth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TV.com:
"Travis and his crew salvage a sarcophagus floating in space, only to find that the life form inside has bioengineered powers that contaminate everyone he touches."
"Travis and his crew salvage a sarcophagus floating in space, only to find that the life form inside has bioengineered powers that contaminate everyone he touches."
On this day in 2014, Doctor Who aired "Robot of Sherwood." This served as the third episode of the program's eighth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In Sherwood forest, the Doctor finds an evil plan from outer space and makes an alliance with Robin Hood. With Nottingham at stake, the Doctor must decide who is real and who is fake."
"In Sherwood forest, the Doctor finds an evil plan from outer space and makes an alliance with Robin Hood. With Nottingham at stake, the Doctor must decide who is real and who is fake."
On this day in 2017, Salvation aired "All In." This served as the eleventh episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Grace and Harris must forge an alliance when their children's lives are in jeopardy. Also, Liam presents Jillian with an unusual proposal."
"Grace and Harris must forge an alliance when their children's lives are in jeopardy. Also, Liam presents Jillian with an unusual proposal."
