Today's Tune: "The Warrior" By Scandal

Sarah Jane Smith (Elisabeth Sladen) and the Doctor (Jon Pertwee)
wrestle with a Sontaran in 'Doctor Who' - "The Time Warrior" (1973).

English actress Elisabeth Sladen was born on February 1, 1946, in Liverpool, England. Therefore, since today is the day of the year to celebrate her birthday, this 'Today's Tune' is dedicated to her.

I have always been a big fan of Elisabeth Sladen, ever since she starred in 'Doctor Who', the longest running science-fiction television show of all time and space. From 1973 to 1976, Sladen portrayed an investigative-reporter named Sarah Jane Smith, the most popular of all the many companions that 'the Doctor' ever had. Sarah Jane is the role Elisabeth Sladen is most remembered for. She then reprised the role a few times, including in the 'Doctor Who' spin-offs, 'K-9 And Company' and 'The Sarah Jane Adventures'. Unfortunately, Sladen died from cancer on April 19, 2011, at the age of 63.

The very first story that included the Sarah Jane Smith character was called "The Time Warrior", which originally aired in four episodes, from December 15, 1973 to January 5, 1974. This story's title led to my choice of musical track for today.

Doctor Who - Sarah Jane Smith quizzes the Doctor in "The Time Warrior"

The American (US) band Scandal, fronted by singer Patty Smyth, released a song called "The Warrior" in August, 1984. It comes from the album of the same name, also released in August of 1984.

Scandal were popular for a few years, 1981 - 1985, creating a few hits before splitting up. They reunited in 2004, and have continued to tour off and on since then. Band members have changed over the years.

Scandal - "The Warrior" (1984)
Original official video reminds me of the musical, 'Cats'. How 'bout you?


Scandal - "The Warrior" At Gilford 2007
Lookout, someone's drunk (and hot) mom is singing karaoke!



Scandal - "The Warrior" at 'Alive At Five' Albany, NY 2012
Hey, someone's drunk (and hot) mom returns for more karaoke!

Doctor Who Series 7 / Episode 5 Preview: "The Angels Take Manhattan"

The Angels Take Manhattan, Episode 5 of Doctor Who - Series 7 (not including the classic series), is probably the most anticipated episode of the entire season for the BBC science-fiction television show. Executive producer and lead writer Steven Moffat incorporates a few major returns and departures in this installment. We think we have a good idea of what's coming, but do we really?

First, we know this is the "final farewell" for "the Ponds" (Amy and Rory). Amy (Maiden name: Pond) - played by Karen Gillan and Rory Williams - played by Arthur Darvill are among the most popular companion characters the show has ever had. Personally, I can't believe we will never see them again, but we may only see them in a brief cameo-like appearance or two sometime in the future (or maybe in the past?). We can be sure though that there will be new companions acquired by the eleventh Doctor - played by Matt Smith.

The title name makes it obvious that they will be visiting the Manhattan area of New York City. The show has taken us there before. What may not be obvious, is that this is the first time it was actually recorded in the state of New York, and the second time ever in the United States.

Alex Kingston returns as River Song, for the first time since the last episode of Series 6. River was first introduced in Series 4, but was first revealed to be the daughter of Amy and Rory last year. She also became the wife of the Doctor the last time we saw her.

And what can I say about the villains in the story. The Weeping Angels have become almost iconic themselves, haven't they? Such a simple idea. I've known quite a few people who can be spooked by statues, under the right conditions. The makers of Doctor Who create the right conditions.

Guest stars for The Angels Take Manhattan include: Mike McShane (Whose Line Is It Anyway? - UK) as Grayle, Rob David (Gravity - 2010) as Sam Garner, Burnell Tucker ('Star Wars') as Garner 2, Ozzie Yue ('Silent Witness') as Foreman, and Bentley Kalu (Twenty Twelve) as Hood 1.

The official "Next Time" and stand-alone trailers for Episode 5, The Angels Take Manhattan, are below. The last one is a goodbye/tribute to "the Ponds". The episode airs tonight - September 29, 2012.

Doctor Who: S7 / Ep 5 - The Angels Take Manhattan (2012) Next



Doctor Who: S7 / Ep 5 - The Angels Take Manhattan (2012) Full



Doctor Who: The Last Days of the Ponds (2012)


***'Making Of' fan clips links to follow in the comments.***

Doctor Who Series 7 / Episode 4 Preview: "The Power Of Three"

The Power Of Three is the name of Episode 4 in Series 7 (not including the classic series), the current Doctor Who season. Chris Chibnall (Life On Mars, Torchwood), who authored Episode 2, also wrote this one for the hugely popular BBC science-fiction television show.

The Power Of Three will feature the special military taskforce UNIT, whose purpose is to investigate and fight any major paranormal or extraterrestrial threats to planet Earth. The eleventh Doctor, Matt Smith, makes an extended visit with his companions Amy Pond (Karen Gillan) and Rory Williams (Arthur Darvill).

In this story of when the Doctor "came to stay", here are some of guest stars: Mark Williams ('Harry Potter' - 2002 to 2011) as Brian Williams (Rory's Dad), Jemma Redgrave (Bramwell - 1995 to 1998) as Kate Stewart, Steven Berkoff ('The Tourist') as Shakri. Also making appearances, as themselves, are physicist Brian Cox (Wonders Of The Universe) and business tycoon Alan Sugar.

Here are the "Next Time" and the full stand-alone official BBC trailers for Episode 4, The Power Of Three. It airs tonight - September 22, 2012.

Doctor Who: Series 7 / Ep 4 - The Power Of Three (2012) Next



Doctor Who: Series 7 / Ep 4 - The Power Of Three (2012) Full

Doctor Who Series 7 / Episode 3 Preview: "A Town Called Mercy"

The third episode of Doctor Who - Series 7, A Town Called Mercy, was written by veteran Doctor Who writer Toby Whithouse (Torchwood, Being Human). Here, we revisit a place that at least resembles the old wild west of America (US), were some of the residents ironically have no intentions of showing mercy to the Doctor and his friends.

Eventually, a bit of confusion about two different alien "Doctors" is cleared up, and the locals realize our alien Doctor isn't such a bad guy. It becomes clear that they need him to save them from a frightening gunslinger-cyborg that threatens the town's people.

Our friends at Doctor Who actually filmed this episode in Spain, but it looks convincing enough. The Doctor (#11), played by Matt Smith, is again accompanied by Amy Pond (Karen Gillan) and Rory Williams (Arthur Darvill).

A few of the guest stars you may remember are: Ben Browder (Farscape) as Isaac, Adrian Scarborough (Gavin And Stacey) as Kahler Jex, and Garrick Hagon (Doctor Who: The Mutants) as Abraham.

Here are the "Next Time" and the full stand-alone official BBC trailers for Episode 3, A Town Called Mercy. It airs tonight - September 15, 2012.

Doctor Who: Series 7 / Ep 3 - A Town Called Mercy (2012) Next



Doctor Who: Series 7 / Ep 3 - A Town Called Mercy (2012) Full

Doctor Who Series 7 / Episode 2 Preview: "Dinosaurs On A Spaceship"

Last week I posted a preview of Series 7 (not including the classic series), the new Doctor Who season, here at Junior's Eyes. It was a fairly lengthy piece and included a good bit of information on what took place over the summer leading up to the new season, as well as some detail of what's to come for Series 7. There was an awful lot of video in that one. This post has just the one clip. It's the official BBC trailer for Episode 2, Dinosaurs On A Spaceship.

"The Ponds", Karen Gillan (Amy Pond) and Arthur Darvill (Rory Williams), will again be alongside the eleventh Doctor - Matt Smith, in this thriller written by Chris Chibnall. Jenna-Louise Coleman made her first appearance in Episode 1 - Asylum Of The Daleks (watch trailer) as an unwitting Dalek, but is not expected to be seen again until she somehow becomes a companion (replacing "the Ponds") starting with Episode 6, the 2012 Christmas Special.

Some of the guest stars you may recognize are: Riann Steele ('Sket' - 2011) as Queen Nefertiti, Sunetra Sarker (Cold Feet - 1999) as Indira, Rupert Graves (Sherlock - 2010 to current) as Riddell, David Bradley (All 'Harry Potter' - 2001 to 2011) as Solomon, Mark Williams ('Harry Potter' - 2002 to 2011) as Brian Williams (Rory's Dad), and Richard Hope (Doctor Who - 2010, 2011 and 2012) as Bleytal.

I don't think we need to do a serious breakdown on what's coming in Dinosaurs On A Spaceship, which will air tonight - September 8, 2012. Anything I could tell you is already fairly obvious. They will be on a spaceship, and in space ... being chased by dinosaurs ... on a spaceship.

Doctor Who: Series 7 / Ep 2 - Dinosaurs On A Spaceship (2012)

New Doctor Who Season Preview: Series 7 Starts September 1, 2012

This blog post is a preview of Series 7, the new Doctor Who season, which starts tonight - September 1, 2012. It's the seventh season since the 2005 relaunch of this BBC science-fiction television show, that originally started in November of 1963. Junior's Eyes provides a huge selection of videos below to get fans ready.

It was announced on March 21, 2012 that 26 year old soap opera actress Jenna-Louise Coleman would be introduced as a new companion. Her first appearance is in episode one, Asylum Of The Daleks. Welcome to the big time Miss Coleman!

New Doctor Who companion unveiled - Jenna-Louise Coleman

Unfortunately, lead writer and executive producer Steven Moffat also revealed that Karen Gillan (Amy Pond) and Arthur Darvill (Rory Williams) would end their time with the Doctor sometime during this season (Episode 5). Gillan and Darvill came on board at the same time as current Doctor (11th), Matt Smith. They've become two of the show's most popular companions ever during their two seasons, but a big part of Doctor Who's success has been keeping things fresh.

Fans got to interact with the current lead actors through a panel discussion at the 2012 Official Doctor Who Convention (March 24th and 25th) in Cardiff, Wales on March 24, 2012. Looks like Karen Gillan has a reptilian admirer, as a Silurian found her more interesting than the others.

Karen Gillan Attacked by Silurian at Doctor Who Convention 2012

On March 26, 2012, the folks at BBC released a teaser trailer for the new season. This trailer mostly gives us a good taste of the wild west themed A Town Called Mercy, the third of the upcoming new episodes. It looks like scenery from the United States, but was actually filmed in Spain, much like the old American "Spaghetti Western" films.

Doctor Who: New Season 2012 Teaser Trailer - Season 7

The producers of the show decided to abandon recent practice, and go back to a Fall series premier schedule. We'll get five new regular episodes, and a Christmas Special, then get the other eight episodes in the new year. That's fine, but it's made it a long Summer, without our beloved Doctor Who.

Luckily, well okay ... luck had little to do with it. We were fortunate enough to see the lead actors and producers make a few promotional trips over here to the US during the long break. They made it to San Diego, California to participate in 2012 Comic-Con International during July (15th). So, that was nice.

Doctor Who: Comic-Con 2012 Panel Recap - Inside Hall H

Another Fall 2012 trailer was released on August 1, 2012. This one seems to cover at least the first three or four Series 7 installments. We see bits of the previously trailer's western clips from A Town Called Mercy (Episode 3). There are also shots of Asylum Of The Daleks (Episode 1), and beleive it or not, Dinosaurs On A Spaceship (Episode 2).

Doctor Who: New Season Fall 2012 Trailer - Season 7

Many people related to the show, and other celebrities, got to enjoy a BFI Southbank theatre preview screening of Asylum Of The Daleks in mid August. The press swarmed them, for several interviews. Matt Smith, Karen Gillan, Arthur Darvill, Caroline Skinner and Steven Moffat talked to Digital Spy about the final moments of "the Ponds", in The Angels Take Manhattan (Episode 5), during the following video. Wouldn't you just know it? The Weeping Angels are apparently to blame for the end of their journeys with the Doctor. Moffat admits to changing his mind while working on the story, and "completely" rewriting the ending.

Doctor Who Stars on the Ponds' exit and Jenna-Louise Coleman

On August 18, 2012, a very short clip (Longer clip came out later) of the first S7 episode became available. The evil Daleks seemed to be doing a little begging. It's not often that they show fear towards anything.

Save the Daleks! - Doctor Who: Asylum of the Daleks, teaser trailer

Another trailer, deemed "exclusive", came on the scene. This one announced the return of the "global phenomenon", that is Doctor Who. It also mentioned the start date of September 1.

Doctor Who: Exclusive Season 7 Trailer

The American theater screening premier was held at the Ziegfeld Theater in New York, New York on August 25, 2012. You can see pictures of it via this link. Reaction from Matt Smith, Karen Gillan, and Caroline Skinner is highlighted in this next little clip.

DOCTOR WHO NYC U.S. Premiere Screening Recap

Filling the Summer gap somewhat were some mini-episodes (details). First was the Olympics themed Good As Gold (watch clip). Finally, I've included a video showing the entire five-part mini-episode mini-series, Pond Life. These clips were released in a spread out fashion, basically one per month.

Doctor Who Prequel: Pond Life Omnibus

Today's Tune: "The Miracle" By Queen And "Miracles" By Jefferson Starship

Happy Birthday to Eve Myles! Born July 8, 1978 in Ystradgynlais, Powys, Wales, this Welsh beauty is a very talented television, stage, film and voice actress. Myles is most well known in the United States for her TV role as alien and monster investigator Gwen Cooper, in the fantasy / science-fiction Doctor Who spin-off show Torchwood (2006 - Present). In the United Kingdom, she is also remembered as Ceri Lewis/Owen in the Welsh drama Belonging (2000 - 2009). For the latest news on Eve Myles, visit fan site EveMyles.net .

Tonight, as if to be some sort of birthday present, the new season (4th) of Torchwood, known as Torchwood: Miracle Day premieres in North America via the Starz network. This new Americanized (Oooh God!) BBC Worldwide / Liberty Starz combo version will show in the UK starting July 14, 2011.

Many of the great American classic television shows have been British imports, but when it comes to science-fiction, the record isn't anywhere near as good as comedies, murder mysteries and crime-dramas. I am hopeful that it at least remains similar in overall quality to the first three series (seasons), which were produced by BBC Wales.

Eve Myles (Gwen Cooper) and her original co-stars, John Barrowman (Captain Jack Harkness) and Kai Owen (Gwen's husband - Rhys Williams), are joined by American film, television, and stage actor Bill Pullman ('While You Were Sleeping', 'Independence Day', 'You Kill Me'), who portrays convicted murderer Oswald Danes in Series 4. The "Miracle" theme for this season is advertised as something happens globally that makes it so "No one dies". SPOILER ALERT: However, it has recently been leaked that the once immortal Captain Jack becomes mortal, and now can die.

Torchwood: Miracle Day - Trailer

Torchwood: Miracle Day - 8 Trailer Clip Playlist

Staying with the miracle theme, our 'Today's Tune' is a double dose of musical medicine. First up is "The Miracle" (1989) by British rock band Queen. The follow up is "Miracles" (1975), by American rock group, Jefferson Starship.

Queen - "The Miracle" (1989)



Jefferson Starship - "Miracles" (1975)

Today's Tune: "Sara Smile" And "She's Gone" By Hall And Oates

Photo from Coventry Telegraph.

This 'Today's Tune' double feature is dedicated to actress Elisabeth Sladen, who passed away this morning. She died of cancer, at the age of 63. Sladen, born in Liverpool, England on February 1, 1948, is most well known for playing the role of investigative-reporter Sarah Jane Smith in the world's greatest science-fiction television show of all time and space, Doctor Who.

Right now, I'm so full of shock and sadness, I can't bring myself to type the words to tell you all about this wonderful woman. Like millions of other fans across this planet, she was my favorite of all the companions that have spent time with the Doctor, since the show first started in 1963. There has been at least one fan club, that was dedicated specifically to her.

Elisabeth Sladen as Sarah Jane Smith in Doctor Who (1975)

I must admit, I found her quite attractive. As an actress, she had a special quality and a real presence about her. She was intelligent and kind. Though I've met some of the actors from the classic Doctor Who series, as well as writers and William Hartnell's (original Doctor) granddaughter, I never met Elisabeth Sladen. Now, I never will.

Here is the Wikipedia page for Elisabeth Sladen. For her death announcement from the BBC, click here. YouTube results list for Elisabeth Sladen.

Elisabeth's most famous character, Sarah Jane Smith, led me to immediately think of these two tracks from Hall And Oates, that became hit singles. First up, we have the beautiful "Sara Smile" (1976), followed by the sad lament of "She's Gone".

Hall And Oates - "Sara Smile"



Hall And Oates - "She's Gone"

Today's Tune: John Sullivan's "Dear John"

Rest In Peace, Ralph Bates (February 12, 1940 – March 27, 1991). English film and television actor Bates, is most famous for his work in Hammer Horror films (1970s), the TV historical fiction drama Poldark (1975 - 1977) and situation comedy Dear John. He also played one of the lead roles in the far too short lived science fiction series Moonbase 3 (1973), a creation of Doctor Who producer Barry Letts and script editor Terrance Dicks.

Ralph starred as the main character in the original UK version of Dear John, a hilarious show written by John Sullivan, which ran for two years. There was also a US version, starring Judd Hirsch (Delvecchio, Taxi, Numb3rs) in the role of John Lacey, that lasted for four years. I loved this show, and how the version we saw in the states was so close to the original. The opening, the individual characters and their names, were almost exactly the same in both.

Dear John series writer John Sullivan also wrote the theme song, which is our 'Today's Tune', this instalment.

Dear John Theme Song (UK)



Dear John Theme Song (US)



Fan Tribute to Ralph Bates - Song is "White Rabbit" by Collide



Moonbase 3 - "Departure And Arrival" - Part 1

Today's Tune: "Place In Your Heart" By Nazareth

In honor of American fantasy and science fiction artist Frank Frazetta (February 9, 1928 – May 10, 2010), who passed away after a stroke today at a hospital near his home in Fort Myers, Florida, our 'Today's Tune' is "Place In Your Heart" by Nazareth. The song comes from the Scottish rock band's 1977 album titled 'Expect No Mercy', which uses one of Frazetta's paintings ("The Brain") on the album cover.

Frank Frazetta worked mostly with oil when doing paintings, for the largest part of his life. His art work has been included in many mediums, such as comic books, paperback book covers, posters, and record album covers. After a series of strokes affected the use of his right hand late in his career, he switched to his left and kept on going.

A small Frazetta museum was open to the public on the family's estate in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania for years. Some of his art is going on tour this year. For videos, to order prints and other information, visit the new official Frank Frazetta Museum Site.

Nazareth - "Place In Your Heart"

Today's Tune: "Halo Of Flies" By Alice Cooper

"Halo Of Flies" (1971) was released as a Holland single in 1973.

Happy Birthday Jeff Goldblum. Goldblum is an American actor, who was born on October 22, 1952, and grew up in a suburb of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He moved to New York, NY at the age of 17, to become an actor. If bit parts or being an extra in films counts as becoming an actor, he was successful in 1974, when he appeared in both 'Death Wish' and 'California Split'. However, Goldblum might be more proud of his work in the award winning 1971 Broadway theatre musical production of 'Two Gentlemen Of Verona'.

Eventually, Jeff climbed his way up the ladder, and worked as a supporting actor in several big pictures ('Invasion Of The Body Snatchers', 'The Big Chill', 'Jurassic Park'). He has also spent time as a leading man for many years now, and starred in such films as 'Independence Day', 'Mad Dog Time' and 'Fay Grim'.

Goldblum has done quite a bit of television as well. He's made a few cameo appearances, and supporting roles, mostly in popular comedies and mystery type crime shows. Currently, Goldblum is starring in USA Network's crime drama series Law & Order: Criminal Intent, as Senior Detective Zach Nichols.

For our 'Today's Tune', this time we look back at Jeff's 1986 remake of the horror film 'The Fly'. It's not one of my favorites, but it does remind me of a great Alice Cooper tune. "Halo Of Flies" buzzes in for this installment.

Alice Cooper - "Halo Of Flies"

Today's Tune: "Robot Man" By The Scorpions

Original version of cover for 1975 Scorpions album 'In Trance'.

American film and television actress Linda Hamilton was born on September 26, 1956. So, happy birthday to Linda. She was born and raised in Salisbury, Maryland. Hamilton even stayed in the Eastern Shore side of the Chesapeake Bay, although a good bit North of Salisbury, when Hamilton attended college at Washington College in Chestertown, MD. After two years, she went much further up the nation's East coast to study acting in New York, NY.

Linda Hamilton has been involved in fairly equal amounts of television and film work. Her biggest TV role was probably when she starred alongside Ron Perlman in Beauty And The Beast. Hamilton is mostly known for her portrayal of the character Sarah Connor, in the 'Terminator' series of films, of which the fourth one was in theatres earlier this year.

With big, bad and scary robots in mind, our 'Today's Tune' is called "Robot Man", as we get a taste of German rock 'n roll with the Scorpions, from their 1975 studio album called 'In Trance'.

Scorpions - "Robot Man"

Happy 49th Birthday To Danny John-Jules

Happy 49th birthday to Danny John-Jules. John-Jules is an English actor, dancer and singer. He was a member of the original 'Starlight Express' rock musical cast, and supplied the voice for two characters in the animated movie 'Labyrinth'. Other films he appeared in include 'Little Shop Of Horrors', 'Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels' and 'Blade II'. However, Danny is mostly known for playing the part of Cat in the BBC television science fiction space comedy Red Dwarf (1988 - 1999). Cat is the selfish and spastic humanoid that evolved from Frankenstein, the pet cat of Dave Lister (Craig Charles), the last human in existance.

In April 2009, a brand new three part Red Dwarf mini series called 'Back To Earth' was aired in the UK and Ireland on Dave (TV channel) . US fans will be able to purchase a 2 Disc set on Blu-Ray and DVD starting on October 6, 2009.

Red Dwarf: First time Dave Lister (Craig Charles) and hologram Arnold Rimmer (Chris Barrie) meet Cat (Danny John-Jules)

Today's Tune: "Where No Man Has Gone Before" By Alexander Courage

The first episode of the original Star Trek television series to be broadcast, was aired on September 8, 1966. The series is a science fiction show that takes place in outer space, and was created by American screenwriter and producer Gene Roddenbery.

"The Man Trap" was actually the 6th to be produced, including 2 pilots (1 failed, 1 aired during season 1), but was the episode chosen to be shown first. "Where No Man Has Gone Before" is the instrumental theme music written by Alexander Courage, who also created the woosh sound heard when the Starship Enterprise flies by during the opening credits. The second pilot episode uses the same title. Canadian actor and writer William Shatner, who starred as the character Captain James T. Kirk, provided the opening monologue that is added, creating the "Theme From Star Trek".

"Where No Man Has Gone Before" by Alexander Courage



"Theme From Star Trek"(Includes opening monologue)

Today's Tune: "Metal Gods" By Judas Priest

Rob Halford with Judas Priest at the Gibson Amphitheatre
in Universal City, CA on Aug. 2, 2009. Photo by Kevin Winter / Getty Images.

English heavy metal singer Rob Halford (Judas Priest, Black Sabbath, Halford) was born on August 25, 1951. One of the best and most recognizable singers of the metal genre, Halford is mostly known for his time with Judas Priest, who have always been one of the top live show bands. Therefore, today's offering is one of their older tunes, "Metal Gods". Happy Birthday Rob!

Other August 25th births: 1909 - English actor Michael Rennie ('The Day The Earth Stood Still', 'Phone Call From A Stranger', 'Cyborg 2087'), 1930 - Scottish actor Sean Connery ('James Bond', 'Highlander', 'The Hunt For Red October'), 1949 - American bass player and singer Gene Simmons (Kiss), 1954 - English singer and song writing genius Elvis Costello ("Alison", "Veronica", "She"), and 1968 - American TV cook and talk show host Rachael Ray (30 Minute Meals, $40 A Day, Rachael Ray's Tasty Travels).

Judas Priest - "Metal Gods" Live in 1982.

Today's Tune: "Time Goes By" By Triumph

Triumph inducted into Canadian Music Hall Of Fame April 6, 2008.
Photo from band web site TriumphMusic.com .

H.G. Wells died on August 13, 1946. An English writer, Wells ('The Island Of Doctor Moreau', 'The War Of The Worlds', 'The First Men In The Moon') was well known for authoring books on many subjects, but mostly science-fiction fantasy works. A favorite by readers of Wells is his 'The Time Machine'. There are many incredible songs and instrumental tracks to choose from that carry the time theme. The tune I picked for today is one of the more rocking ones. It's "Time Goes By" from the November 1984 album 'Thunder Seven' by Triumph, a very underrated and underplayed Canadian rock band.

Also died on an August 13th: 1995 - American baseball legend Mickey Mantle, 2004 - American cooking show host and cookbook author Julia Child.

Born on an August 13: 1899 - English film and television producer and director Alfred Hitchcock ('Dial M For Murder', 'Psycho', 'The Birds'), 1948 - American soprano singer Kathleen Battle ('The Barber Of Seville', 'The Marriage Of Figaro', 'Don Pasquale'), 1959 - American actor and radio talk show host Danny Bonaduce (The Partridge Family, The Danny Bonaduce Show).

Triumph - "Time Goes By" from the album 'Thunder Seven' (1984)

Remembrance Of Terry Nation

Welsh screenwriter and novelist Terry Nation was born in Cardiff, Wales on August 8, 1930 (Died 1997). He wrote single episodes and multiple episode serials (stories) for several British television programmes that have been popular in many countries around the world.

He is most widley known for creating the infamous and horrifing Daleks. Nation introduced these alien monsters in the second serial (story) of the original classic Doctor Who, the greatest and longest running (26 seasons: 1963 - 1989) science fiction television show ever to be broadcast. The seven episode story was called 'The Daleks' but is also known as "The Dead Planet" (Name of first episode - originally aired December 21, 1963) or even The Menace. Terry wrote many episodes and created other characters and creatures that were popular in the show.

Terry Nation created another successful science fiction show called Blake's 7. Fans of this programme probably don't mind being called a "Cult Following". Like Doctor Who, it's a completely addictive show, with slightly more humor. Like the Doctor, the characters, spend a lot of time being chased through space. They don't have a TARDIS to time travel in, so they just have to steel the best space cruiser they can get their hot little escapie hands on. I always saw Blake's 7 as Robin Hood set in space. It lasted four seasons (or series) from 1978 to 1981.

Other fine shows that Nation contributed to include: The Avengers, The Baron, The Persuaders! , The Champions, Department S, and The Saint.

Terry Nation died from emphysema in Los Angeles, California on March 9, 1997. He had been working bringing Blake's 7 back to television with Paul Darrow (Doctor Who, Blake's 7, Timelash) shortly before he passed away.

Doctor Who (Original) - "The Dead Planet" (Last few minutes)
Season 1 / Serial 2 / Episode 1
The very first appearance of the Daleks.



Doctor Who (Classic) - 'Remembrance Of The Daleks' (Trailer)
Season 25 / Serial 148
The last appearance of the Daleks in the classic series.



Blake's 7 - "Orac" (Beginning Clip)
Series A (Season 1) / Episode 13



Blake's 7 - "Orac"
Series A (Season 1) / Episode 13 (Ending Clip)



Blake's 7 - Segment from Channel 4 Top Ten Sci-Fi programmes.
Hell, I Loved this show!