Is this TV's 'gold standard'? Whatever one may think of the original Star Trek, there should be no doubt in anyone's mind that it remains one of television's highwater marks in terms of quality, interest, and longevity. The program faced three years in a somewhat brutal ratings war on the Boob Tube; and yet its audience persevered, practically demanding that the network find a slot for it each season. Though some of the cast may've left our plane of existence, their adventures live on, and they'll no doubt inspire generations well into the 23rd Century ... if we make it there. In any event, the very first adventure of Kirk and company premiered on this day back in 1966. Here's the premise compliments of IMDB.com:
"In the 23rd Century, Captain James T. Kirk and the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise explore the galaxy and defend the United Federation of Planets."
"In the 23rd Century, Captain James T. Kirk and the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise explore the galaxy and defend the United Federation of Planets."
Depending upon whose version of behind-the-scenes history you believe, it wasn't long after the live action Science Fiction television series classic Star Trek was cancelled that producers were interested in getting it back on the Boob Tube. Mankind went to the moon, you see, so people around the world had finally bought into the whole 'space exploration' game, and reruns of Kirk and his crew were playing in prime time slots throughout syndication opportunities everywhere. Lo and behold, Star Trek: The Animated Series was born -- perhaps a more cost-effective solution to the potentially escalating budgets for special effects of the era -- and gave Trekkies, Trekkers, and general Trek enthusiasts one more chance to boldly go where no one had gone before. It premiered on this day back in 1973, and here's the premise behind the series from IMDB.com:
"The further adventures of Captain James T. Kirk and the crew of the USS Enterprise, as they explore the galaxy and defend the United Federation of Planets."
"The further adventures of Captain James T. Kirk and the crew of the USS Enterprise, as they explore the galaxy and defend the United Federation of Planets."
As I'm often pointing out, Science Fiction and Fantasy comes in all shapes and sizes. Producers have gone to great lengths to find an age group that's most fascination with the bells and whistles that are common to genre entertainment, and in this respect they'll produce content for practically any age group. Today's evidence: Atlantis High clearly targeted a teen demographic, though I've no doubt it quite possibly appealed to young'uns of all ages. It first premiered on this day (in the United Kingdom) back in 2001, and here's the premise behind the program from IMDB.com:
"16-year-old nerd, Giles, is the new student at Atlantis High, where both the students and teachers seem to be very weird. Could the school being reputedly built on the lost city of Atlantis have anything to do with this?"
Want to know more? Then check out the program's official website right here.
"16-year-old nerd, Giles, is the new student at Atlantis High, where both the students and teachers seem to be very weird. Could the school being reputedly built on the lost city of Atlantis have anything to do with this?"
Want to know more? Then check out the program's official website right here.
Byron Morrow had a knack for playing authority figures. Heck, during Star Trek's original three year run, he even played different Starfleet admirals twice! He played a Martian for the original The Twilight Zone, and other popular properties he appeared in include Cyborg 2087, The Invaders, Lost in Space, Colossus: The Forbin Project, The Bionic Woman, and Otherworld. Though he's no longer with us, Morrow was born on this day in 1911. [Source: IMDB.com]
How do you maintain a website celebrating genre performances in film and television and not mention the venerable Peter Sellers? The actor was an incredible, incredible talent who passed away far too early before his time, leaving an indelible imprint on so many fans. As far as genre-specific work goes, I'd be a fool for failing to mention his work aboard the Fantasy-themed Alice In Wonderland (1966) and Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (1972) for good measure. Though he's no longer with us, Sellers was born on this day in 1925. [Source: IMDB.com]
Though he refused to accept much of the credit, Archie Goodwin (from what I've read) was instrumental in securing the original license to bring Star Wars to life for Marvel Comics back in the 1970's. He also posted significant contributions to the comic books realms of Batman and Starman for DC Comics. Though he's no longer with us, Goodwin was born on this day in 1937. [Source: Wikipedia.org]
After crafting the screenplay for Indiana Jones And The Temple of Doom, screenwriter Willard Huyck turned his talents toward the stars, fleshing out the script for George Lucas's next event picture: the ill-fated and poorly received Howard the Duck (1986). Huyck was born on this day in 1945. [Source: IMDB.com]
I've only just begun to explore the world beyond the feature film of Swamp Thing as I recently purchased the first season DVD from Amazon. So far? Meh. (Very meh.) But Mark Lindsay Chapman has a prominent role aboard the property. He's also appeared in Annihilator (1986), Max Headroom, The Langoliers, Weird Science, Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, NightMan, and plenty of other less fantastical fare. Chapman was born on this day in 1954.
Pictured above as the Kryptonian elder Lor-Em from 2013's Man of Steel, actor Julian Richings helped bring to life the alien world of Superman's birth. Otherwise, the man continues to move almost effortlessly in and out of genre work, appearing in such properties as Supernatural, Orphan Black, and Hemlock Grove. Richings was born on this day in 1955.
The 1980's saw a terrific resurgence of pin-up models making it a go at this whole 'acting' thing, and one of the more memorable talents was the lovely Heather Thomas. She headlined 1987's Cyclone, a SciFi-themed motorcycle action flick that enjoys a modest cult following. Thomas was born on this day in 1957.
The fetchingly exotic Sonja Smits lent her aura to one of the most fetchingly exotic films quite possibly of the 20th century: David Cronenberg's Videodrome (1983). She's also wooed genre fans in such properties as Airwolf, TekWar, The Outer Limits, and Showtime's Odyssey 5. Smits was born on this day in 1958. [Source: IMDB.com]
Thomas Kretschmann has one of those faces you know you've seen before, and that's probably because he's toiled away in an awful lot of lesser, more character driven roles throughout so much of his career. So far as SciFi goes, he's made visits to Total Recall 2070, Blade II, King Kong, Bionic Woman, FlashForward, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, and Avengers: Age of Ultron to name but a few. Kretschmann was born on this day in 1962. [Source: IMDB.com]
Though David Lee Smith is probably fairly well known for his long-running supporting role aboard CSI: Miami, he did make an appearance aboard Fox TV's Dollhouse during its run. Smith was born on this day in 1963.
While his physical antics may not be to everyone's liking, I've almost always found funnyman Brian Huskey a delight to watch. Thankfully, he's recently shown up as a regular aboard TBS's SciFi/Comedy People Of Earth so that I can mention him here. Huskey was born on this day in 1968. [Source: IMDB.com]
Once called a "poor man's Adam Sandler," funnyman David Arquette defended life as we know it from some pesky yet gigantic Eight Legged Freaks (2002). Arquette was born on this day in 1971.
Master Thespian Martin Freeman rocketed to international stardom with his appearance as Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit trilogy from Peter Jackson. He's done so much good work that it's great to see him finally basking in the limelight of projects like Captain America: Civil War. Freeman was born on this day in 1971.
Super-sexy Cari Shayne (above center) spelled trouble for Harry Kim in a guest star appearance aboard Star Trek: Voyager during its third season on UPN. Girls, girls, girls! Shayne was born on this day in 1972. [Source: IMDB.com]
I'll probably always remember Larenz Tate in the role of "Black Shawn" from FX's stellar Rescue Me, but I'm glad he had a role in The Postman so that I can feature his talents here. Tate was born on this day in 1975.
Alas, I think I may've been the only one to watch the televised follow-up to TRON: Legacy -- that being the animated TRON: Uprising -- when it ran on the boob tube. It wasn't all that 'involving' -- which is probably why it never garnered a second season -- but kudos to funnyman Nate Corddry for his vocal contributions to the show. Corddry was born on this day in 1977.
Clearly, Jonathan Taylor Thomas's mainstay is the realm of television sitcoms, but he did board the WB's long-running Smallville for good measure. Thomas was born on this day in 1981. [Source: IMDB.com]
Jake Sandvig (above center, with the flower) explored the Final Frontier -- well, the moon, at least -- for his role aboard High Moon (2014). He's also enjoyed screen time aboard Sky High (2005), Journeyman, and Reaper. Sandvig was born on this day in 1986. [Source: IMDB.com]
Young Gaten Matarazzo (above center, in the hat) has set the stream-o-sphere alive with his work aboard Netflix's uber-popular Stranger Things. Matarazzo was born on this day in 2002. [Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1930 (in Finland), High Treason enjoyed a run in the theaters. Directed by Maurice Elvey, the SciFi/Drama starred Benita Hume and Basil Gill, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Women unite to prevent financiers from engineering a second world war."
"Women unite to prevent financiers from engineering a second world war."
On this day in 1961 (in West Germany), The Absent Minded Professor took flight. (Well, cinematically, that is.) Directed by Robert Stevenson, the SciFi/Comedy starred Fred MacMurray and Nancy Olson, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A bumbling professor accidently invents flying rubber, or "Flubber", an incredible material that gains energy every time it strikes a hard surface. It allows for the invention of shoes that can allow jumps of amazing heights and enables a modified Model-T to fly. Unfortunately, no one is interested in the material except for Alonzo Hawk, a corrupt businessman who wants to steal the material for himself."
"A bumbling professor accidently invents flying rubber, or "Flubber", an incredible material that gains energy every time it strikes a hard surface. It allows for the invention of shoes that can allow jumps of amazing heights and enables a modified Model-T to fly. Unfortunately, no one is interested in the material except for Alonzo Hawk, a corrupt businessman who wants to steal the material for himself."
Argh. In the course of researching the incredible amount of Science Fiction materials for the site, I notice from time-to-time that sites often bear competing information. IMDB.com is generally my go-to source for movies and television airings, but rest assured I've grown frustrated with how their chronological information changes from year-to-year: this year, they might list General Movie A as releasing on January 1st, while next year the date will have been changed to February 10th. When I do come across this competing information, I usually err on the side of caution and list it here, citing specifically where it came from. So ... according to Wikipedia.org, Roger Corman's Battle Beyond The Stars enjoyed its full U.S. theatrical release on this day in 1980. (Whew!) And according to IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Shad, a young farmer, assembles a band of diverse mercenaries in outer space to defend his peaceful planet from the evil tyrant Sador and his armada of aggressors. Among the mercenaries are Space Cowboy, a spacegoing truck driver from Earth; Gelt, a wealthy but experienced assassin looking for a place to hide; and Saint-Exmin, a Valkyrie warrior looking to prove herself in battle."
"Shad, a young farmer, assembles a band of diverse mercenaries in outer space to defend his peaceful planet from the evil tyrant Sador and his armada of aggressors. Among the mercenaries are Space Cowboy, a spacegoing truck driver from Earth; Gelt, a wealthy but experienced assassin looking for a place to hide; and Saint-Exmin, a Valkyrie warrior looking to prove herself in battle."
On this day in 1980 (in Spain), history nearly repeated itself with the release of The Final Countdown. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary for the time travel film:
"In 1980, the assistant of the Department of Defense Warren Lasky is assigned by his mysterious chief Richard Tideman to visit the aircraft carrier USS Nimtz commanded by Capt. Matthew Yelland as an observer of the routines. Lasky finds that Wing Commander Richard T. Owens has a great knowledge of history. Out of the blue, the vessel faces a weird storm and they find that they have traveled back in time to the eve of the attack of Pearl Harbor on 06 December 1941. When the two Japanese Zeros attack the motorboat of Senator Samuel Chapman, the crew of the Nimitz rescues the senator and his assistant Laurel Scott. But sooner Lasky learns that the senator had disappeared on that day and Capt. Matthew Yelland is planning to attack the Japanese. Will these actions create a time paradox?"
"In 1980, the assistant of the Department of Defense Warren Lasky is assigned by his mysterious chief Richard Tideman to visit the aircraft carrier USS Nimtz commanded by Capt. Matthew Yelland as an observer of the routines. Lasky finds that Wing Commander Richard T. Owens has a great knowledge of history. Out of the blue, the vessel faces a weird storm and they find that they have traveled back in time to the eve of the attack of Pearl Harbor on 06 December 1941. When the two Japanese Zeros attack the motorboat of Senator Samuel Chapman, the crew of the Nimitz rescues the senator and his assistant Laurel Scott. But sooner Lasky learns that the senator had disappeared on that day and Capt. Matthew Yelland is planning to attack the Japanese. Will these actions create a time paradox?"
A star is born! On this day in 2002, U.S. television audiences were treated to an adaptation of Ursula K. Le Guin's Lathe Of Heaven. Directed by Philip Haas, the SciFi/Drama starred Lisa Bonet and James Caan, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In a near future society, a man claims that his dreams physically change reality. His therapist is confused at first, but soon decides to use him for his own gain."
"In a near future society, a man claims that his dreams physically change reality. His therapist is confused at first, but soon decides to use him for his own gain."
On this day in 2006 (in Japan), Alien Abduction enjoyed its released on DVD in the home video market. Written and directed by Eric Forsberg, the SciFi feature starred Megan Lee Ethridge and Griff Furst, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After being abducted by extra terrestrials, Jean and her friends are committed to a top secret government run mental institution to undergo tests and be brainwashed."
"After being abducted by extra terrestrials, Jean and her friends are committed to a top secret government run mental institution to undergo tests and be brainwashed."
A star is born! On this day in 2018 (in Canada), perhaps one of the best superhero origins films you've never seen -- Freaks -- played for audiences in attendance of the Toronto International Film Festival. Written and directed by the team of Zach Lipovsky and Adam
B. Stein, the Fantasy film starred Emile Hirsch, Bruce Dern, and Grace Park; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A seven-year-old girl, Chloe, who lives with her father, was told that the outside world was dangerous and was spending lonely days in her house. One day, she left the house while her father was asleep, and she was approached by an old man in an ice cream truck standing in front of her house. The old man, who is Chloe's grandfather, tells him about the fact that Chloe's mother is alive and the mysterious power he has. Chloe, who was scolded by her father for going out, awakened her special ability by raising her emotions. The ability was a very dangerous thing to manipulate a person's mind. Chloe works with a grandfather and a father with different abilities to rescue a detained mother."
For the record: If you're interested in SciFiHistory.Net's take on the feature, then you can check out my review right here.
B. Stein, the Fantasy film starred Emile Hirsch, Bruce Dern, and Grace Park; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A seven-year-old girl, Chloe, who lives with her father, was told that the outside world was dangerous and was spending lonely days in her house. One day, she left the house while her father was asleep, and she was approached by an old man in an ice cream truck standing in front of her house. The old man, who is Chloe's grandfather, tells him about the fact that Chloe's mother is alive and the mysterious power he has. Chloe, who was scolded by her father for going out, awakened her special ability by raising her emotions. The ability was a very dangerous thing to manipulate a person's mind. Chloe works with a grandfather and a father with different abilities to rescue a detained mother."
For the record: If you're interested in SciFiHistory.Net's take on the feature, then you can check out my review right here.
On this day in 1951, Space Patrol aired "Photograph Of A Traitor." Officially, this served as the thirty-seventh episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by Solarguard.com:
"Cadet Happy's hobby of photography plays an important part in the apprehension of two criminals committing space robberies of payroll ships. Commander Corry and Major Robertson aware that a Space Patrol officer is involved in the crimes, find the photo clue that enables them to rescue Tonga and Happy just in the nick of time."
"Cadet Happy's hobby of photography plays an important part in the apprehension of two criminals committing space robberies of payroll ships. Commander Corry and Major Robertson aware that a Space Patrol officer is involved in the crimes, find the photo clue that enables them to rescue Tonga and Happy just in the nick of time."
On this day in 1966 (in Brazil), Star Trek aired "The Cage," the original pilot episode for the classic Gene Roddenberry series. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Capt. Pike is held prisoner and tested by aliens who have the power to project incredibly lifelike illusions."
"Capt. Pike is held prisoner and tested by aliens who have the power to project incredibly lifelike illusions."
It all began with a bang! Erm ... or was that a zapp? However you see things, Star Trek began for all practical purposes on this day back in 1966 when NBC aired Gene Roddenberry's second pilot, "The Man Trap." It wasn't as cerebral as the first intended pilot, but it still ignited a fanbase that remains as active and growing today as it was back then. Welcome to the world, Kirk and company! May you all live long and prosper! Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Dr. McCoy discovers his old flame is not what she seems after crew members begin dying from a sudden lack of salt in their bodies."
"Dr. McCoy discovers his old flame is not what she seems after crew members begin dying from a sudden lack of salt in their bodies."
On this day in 1971 (in the United Kingdom), Ace Of Wands aired "Nightmare Gas: Part 2." Officially, this served as the eighth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The theft of a deadly hallucinatory gas, H23, by the deadly Thalia and her brother Dalbiac, plungers Tarot and his friends into a nightmare adventure. Contact with the gas induces deep sleep and nightmares so real that the victim dies from shock after 23 minutes: captured and exposed to the gas, Tarot has only minutes to live."
"The theft of a deadly hallucinatory gas, H23, by the deadly Thalia and her brother Dalbiac, plungers Tarot and his friends into a nightmare adventure. Contact with the gas induces deep sleep and nightmares so real that the victim dies from shock after 23 minutes: captured and exposed to the gas, Tarot has only minutes to live."
It all began right here: on this day in 1973, Star Trek fans prayers were answered -- in a way -- when Star Trek: The Animated Series finally brought the crew of the Starship Enterprise back to television, even if it was in an animated fashion. The first episode was titled "Beyond the Farthest Star," and here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"The Enterprise finds an ancient abandoned starship, and a malevolent entity on it eager to take over the Starfleet ship."
"The Enterprise finds an ancient abandoned starship, and a malevolent entity on it eager to take over the Starfleet ship."
On this day in 1976, the cult favorite Star Maidens aired the second episode of its first and only season. The adventure was called "Nemesis," and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Surviving the crash, Adam and Shem steal a police car and go on the run. Supreme Councillors Octavia - head of security - and Fulvia - Adam's mistress - follow them to earth to retrieve them. Many misunderstandings with the humans ensue."
"Surviving the crash, Adam and Shem steal a police car and go on the run. Supreme Councillors Octavia - head of security - and Fulvia - Adam's mistress - follow them to earth to retrieve them. Many misunderstandings with the humans ensue."
On this day in 1997, the seventh episode of Deepwater Black's (aka Mission Genesis) single season existence aired on the SyFy Channel. It was titled "Refugee." According to our friends at TV.com, here's the episode's plot summary:
"The crew encounters a drifting lifepod, it's only occupant an unconscious female whose blood contains traces of an unusual chemistry. Upon waking, she elicits extreme emotional responses from each of the crew members. Is their new guest a soul vampire?"
"The crew encounters a drifting lifepod, it's only occupant an unconscious female whose blood contains traces of an unusual chemistry. Upon waking, she elicits extreme emotional responses from each of the crew members. Is their new guest a soul vampire?"
On this day in 2000, Farscape aired "The Ugly Truth." This served as the seventeenth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A ship is destroyed by Talyn while Moya's crew is aboard. Talyn, with Crais, starburst away while the rest are captured by another ship. Each member of the crew is interrogated in turn. The one who fired the shot will be executed. Who's telling the true version of the events, and will the guilty party be punished?"
"A ship is destroyed by Talyn while Moya's crew is aboard. Talyn, with Crais, starburst away while the rest are captured by another ship. Each member of the crew is interrogated in turn. The one who fired the shot will be executed. Who's telling the true version of the events, and will the guilty party be punished?"
It all began right here: on this day in 2001 (in the United Kingdom), Atlantis High opened its doors for education ... and broadcast business. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary for the pilot episode:
"Giles Gordon (Michael Wesley-Smith) and his family move to Sunset Cove, a strange town. He soon discovers that his life will change. A new school, and strange people live in the town."
"Giles Gordon (Michael Wesley-Smith) and his family move to Sunset Cove, a strange town. He soon discovers that his life will change. A new school, and strange people live in the town."
On this day in 2001, Stargate: SG-1 aired "Wormhole X-Treme!" This served as the twelfth episode of the long-running program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A strange ship is headed towards Earth, and the SGC suspects that Martin Lloyd and his companions may have something to do with it. O'Neill is sent to speak to Martin and is assigned as a military consultant on Martin's new show, "Wormhole X-treme!", which uncannily resembles SG-1 despite Martin once again losing his memory. His former shipmates stall Carter and Daniel by throwing them off the trail and into the hands of the NID."
"A strange ship is headed towards Earth, and the SGC suspects that Martin Lloyd and his companions may have something to do with it. O'Neill is sent to speak to Martin and is assigned as a military consultant on Martin's new show, "Wormhole X-treme!", which uncannily resembles SG-1 despite Martin once again losing his memory. His former shipmates stall Carter and Daniel by throwing them off the trail and into the hands of the NID."
On this day in 2003 (in Canada), Firefly aired "Serenity." Officially, this served as the eleventh episode in the program's only season on television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Malcolm Reynolds is a veteran and the captain of Serenity. He and his crew are smuggling goods, but they need to pick up some passengers for extra money. However, not all the passengers are what they seem."
"Malcolm Reynolds is a veteran and the captain of Serenity. He and his crew are smuggling goods, but they need to pick up some passengers for extra money. However, not all the passengers are what they seem."
On this day in 2006, Stargate: SG-1 aired "Memento Mori." This served as the eighth episode to the program's tenth season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"Vala is kidnapped by agents of the Trust who are trying to find an ancient treasure when an accident causes Vala to forget who she is."
"Vala is kidnapped by agents of the Trust who are trying to find an ancient treasure when an accident causes Vala to forget who she is."
On this day in 2015, Zoo aired "Eats, Shoots, and Leaves." This served as the eleventh episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Chloe is taken hostage by someone she knows. Jackson and the others are arrive at Zambia to find the leopard to test Mitch's theory of the animal mutation."
"Chloe is taken hostage by someone she knows. Jackson and the others are arrive at Zambia to find the leopard to test Mitch's theory of the animal mutation."
Also on this day in 2015, Zoo aired a second installment, this one titled "Wild Things." This served as the twelfth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary provided by IMDB.com:
"Chloe tries to bring light to the rising threat from the animals. Jackson is taken to a hospital and while they are there Mitch works to create a cure. However, there are many obstacles they must overcome."
"Chloe tries to bring light to the rising threat from the animals. Jackson is taken to a hospital and while they are there Mitch works to create a cure. However, there are many obstacles they must overcome."
