Finally watched all of Blakes 7

[payndz201]

Incidentally, speaking as someone who saw the entire series on its first broadcast, the ending was one of the most jawdropping things ever seen on British TV to that time. This was a popular, prime-time BBC1 drama watched by millions... and they ended it like that. Right before Christmas, to boot.

I remember that the reaction in my house (in which everyone watched it) was pretty much stunned silence.

 

[Peter the Younger]

The only thing that bugs me about the ending is how far apart the gunshots are spaced. I mean, the way the scene was set, you'de think there'd be a big-ass fusilade of shots that lasts about 3 seconds, then everybody who's gonna be dead will be dead.

The spacing of the shots is one of the things people cite when claiming that Avon didn't just buy the farm, but escaped or had some trick up his sleeve.

Apparently, Paul Darrow's treatment for a B7 revival called for a new crew to meet a much older Avon, who was believed dead but actually did survive.

 

[KB24]

Groan worthy at times perhaps, and there's no denying that the effects and styles are bad. Nevertheless you are one of the privileged!

 

[EEE]

The spacing of the shots is one of the things people cite when claiming that Avon didn't just buy the farm, but escaped or had some trick up his sleeve.

Apparently, Paul Darrow's treatment for a B7 revival called for a new crew to meet a much older Avon, who was believed dead but actually did survive.

My take was that Avon probably should have surrendered to escape again another day (he never was much for dying for a cause).

 

[Candlelight]

The only thing that bugs me about the ending is how far apart the gunshots are spaced. I mean, the way the scene was set, you'de think there'd be a big-ass fusilade of shots that lasts about 3 seconds, then everybody who's gonna be dead will be dead.

With the exception of Arlen's gun, the Federation soldiers weren't using standard weapons during the final gunfight, leading people to believe it was all a set up.

As to what Avon was smiling at right at the end is anyone's guess, but there is a single shot of his gun, followed by lots of 'Federation' shots.

 

[Davros]

Avon, Servelan, and Vila are all some of my favorite Sci Fi characters of all time.

 

[EEE]

Avon, Servelan, and Vila are all some of my favorite Sci Fi characters of all time.

What was up with her with her attire? That was one of the biggest gag-worthy items for me. And it was constant! Did she have to skip out on a cocktail party or a ballroom shindig to film each episode? Where was William Ware Theiss when they needed him?!!?

...but as I started this thread, the series ending was payoff enough for me! How gutsy can a show be?

 

[Davros]

She may have had an odd fasion sense but she was a great bad guy.

 

[EEE]

She may have had an odd fasion sense but she was a great bad guy.

She was a great bad guy (which sounds odd) and at least she didn't wear the "destructo(tm)-laser-ring-of-death-and-destruction-that-doubles-as-harmless-costume-jewlery." *grin*

 

[Cuhl]

Was this show ever released on DVD in the US, or did they finally give up on the idea?

 

[Marc]

What was up with her with her attire? That was one of the biggest gag-worthy items for me. And it was constant! Did she have to skip out on a cocktail party or a ballroom shindig to film each episode? Where was William Ware Theiss when they needed him?!!?

It was a reminder that next time you chat up a woman at a cocktail in far future she could actually be a cold blooded Supreme Commander cum Federation President so what your P's and Q's

 

[Admiral Buzzkill]

Blake's 7 has a great concept and some great moments, but the majority of episodes are repetitious and unimaginative: meet a potential ally on the Rock Quarry planet, find that Servalan has arrived ahead of us to turn/blackmail/otherwise intimidate said ally and lay a trap; send our people in to meet with ally and be captured alone or in teams until only Avon is left to bail us out, then let Avon have a moment in which we figure he's contemplating taking off and leaving us to die before he turns around and does the right thing (usually covered by a lame and cynical excuse).

Loved a lot of the show, but aside from the wonderful original casting it's definitely something that could be expanded and improved immensely by the right "reimagineers."

Great ending, though. Doesn't leave a reinvention anywhere to go, to top it - anything they tried would be like Tim Burton's "Lincoln Memorial" take on the ending of Planet Of The Apes.

 

[Mr Awe]

Avon is one of the most interesting characters I've seen. I remember the horrible SFx (not really a concern to me) but some of the stories were absolutley cringe-worthy. It's been awhile, but I don't remember much in the way of what I'd call "classic" episodes. But, Avon and overall tone of Blake's 7 make it a standout series for me.

Mr Awe

 

[Admiral Buzzkill]

In some ways the season-enders were always the most memorable and "classic" episodes.

Vila: This is stupid, Avon!

Avon: When has that ever stopped us?

 

[Mr Awe]

^^ It's probably been about 20 years since I've seen any B7. But that sounds about right. Mainly Avon and the dark tone (for then) stand out.

Mr Awe

 

[EEE]

What was up with her with her attire? That was one of the biggest gag-worthy items for me. And it was constant! Did she have to skip out on a cocktail party or a ballroom shindig to film each episode? Where was William Ware Theiss when they needed him?!!?

It was a reminder that next time you chat up a woman at a cocktail in far future she could actually be a cold blooded Supreme Commander cum Federation President so what your P's and Q's

Two points! I gotta' give two points for the only logical answer! *grin*

 

[diankra]

Avon, Servelan, and Vila are all some of my favorite Sci Fi characters of all time.

What was up with her with her attire? That was one of the biggest gag-worthy items for me. And it was constant! Did she have to skip out on a cocktail party or a ballroom shindig to film each episode? Where was William Ware Theiss when they needed him?!!?

...but as I started this thread, the series ending was payoff enough for me! How gutsy can a show be?

Well, Servalan's outfits do make sense in most of the first three seasons (even if they become more and more OTT in season three): with a couple of exceptions she's either safe back at Space Command, or in a situation where she can expect either security or dipomatic immunity to keep here safe. Hence she dresses to impress rather than for practicality, and there's an underlying point about the decadent corruption of the Federation elite who sit back in their offices ordering the deaths of rebels and soldiers.
But... she should have been dressed more practically in a few episodes (orac, Weapon) where she's out on her own, and definitely in season four where she's trying to survive under a new identity as an in-the-field commander.