Space: 1999 (1975) – Mission of the Darians, and Black Sun

Johnny Byrne pens this episode that first debuted on 30 October, 1975, that sees Moonbase Alpha encountering yet another alien life form (something that they take way too easily in stride as a series. There should be wonder and discovery associated with these things, but instead we just dive into the story – although there…

POPnology at the Ontario Science Centre

It’s summer vacation, time for camps, bike rides, beaches, family trips, seemingly endless days spread out before the young to enjoy, to forget the long reach of scholastic achievement, teachers, and books. So how can you make learning fun, and ensure that the entire family is entertained? Combine education with entertainment, with movies, and pop…

20 Years of Tomb Raider (2016) – Meagan Marie

Lara Croft has been around for twenty years. And, I have to say, she looks better than ever. Since her first appearance in the game-changing, well, game, Tomb Raider in 1996, Lara Croft has made a name for herself in the action adventure series that centred around, an admittedly cartoon-like interpretation of a beautiful woman,…

Flash Gordon (1936) – Frank Stephani

As my exploration of the pulp heroes of science fiction continues with the Sci-Fi Chronicles book, I thought I should have a look at one of the original Flash Gordon serials starring Buster Crabbe. And let me tell you this… It was so much more fun than I thought it would be! I grew up…

Doctor Who (Jon Pertwee) – Planet of the Daleks

  This week’s story, Planet of the Daleks, was written by Dalek creator Terry Nation, and ran for 6 episodes, from 7 April to 12 May 1973, and it picks up where last week’s episode ended. The Doctor (Pertwee) sends a warning to the Time Lords via the TARDIS’ telepathic circuits before collapsing into a…

Battlestar Galactica (1978) – The Gun On Ice Planet Zero

  This week’s installment of my look back at Battlestar Galactica features the two-parter, The Gun On Ice Planet Zero written by Bellisario, Michael Sloan and Leslie Stevens, from a story idea by John Ireland, Jr. The first episode aired on October 22, 1978, with its conclusion airing the following week on the 29th. The fleet appears to be in trouble…