Blake's 7 - Series 2 - Complete [1978]

Customer Reviews:

The saga continues..........2008-03-06

Blake's 7 moves up a notch with the excellent second series which contains some superb and very dramatic episodes. The second half of the season contains a continuing theme which is the search for Star One abd the characters continue to develop, with Blake becoming more obsessive and driven, and Avon starting to play a more prominent role. Brain Croucher takes over the role of baddy Travis and is unfortunately the weak link in this series, being not a patch on Stephen Greif's menacing portrayal, but Jacqueline Pearce has much more to do as ice queen Servalan and is a joy to watch. The stand out episodes here are the drug-themed Shadow, Pressure Point in which a key character is killed, Trial and the season finale Star One, which is possibly the greatest episode of the entire series. Gambit is probably the campest and most bizarre episode ever and Voice from the Past is the only real clunker. Overall, the second series of Blake's 7 presents a definate improvement and is well worth buying.

The saga continues..........2008-02-12

Excellent follow up to the first series. I missed a lot of these first time around (night school for my apprenticeship at the time and no videos/dvds back then) so it filled in gaps in my "Blake" Knowledge. As others have said this series was more glossy than the first, some lovely costumes for the girls and the glamorous Servalan. Favourite stories are the series opener with The Liberator returned home, Gambit with speed chess baddie Klute, Star One the last of series 2 that ends on a mighty cliffhanger (also good is the sparring between the Liberator Crew esp Avon and Villa) imagine having to wait a whole year to find out what happens next. Good job I am yet to start on the series 3 box set.
There are some good extras on the dvd too, Mat Irvines Models and past interviews with cast members. Well worth a look. Although the effects may not stand up, the plots and acting do make you think, something modern telly seldom does these days.

Blakes 7 Series 2 - More adventures in space.......2006-06-12

After the gripping first series Blakes 7 moves forward with tremendous energy into new exploits. One of the first things noticeable is the new series has been written by various individuals. This is no longer purely Terry Nation's work and you wonder whether the quality might suffer. Happily the storytelling is as good as ever and since the budget was presumably larger the sets look more impressive. There are more models and less use of public works, quarries etc. The cast also has a fine wardrobe and this adds to the less Spartan mood of this series. Despite the new look some aspects of the series still remain the same. The high-risk lifestyle is still there as expected. The arguments between the crew are still there and if anything are now worse. One change in the series is the character Travis now has a different actor. Like many I don't like the new Travis as much as the old. The original was stocky and menacing, occasionally showing his temper he gave the aura of being dangerous. The new one is tall and always seems to be jumping around, constantly losing his temper. It seems to me that the new Travis might have been better cast as a crewmember for Blake's outfit.
The imaginative writing continues with episodes like `Shadow' at the intriguing Space City with SCI-FI entering the world of drugs. A B grade technicians invention in `Weapon' has tantalising possibilities as Blake's crew ride their luck for all its worth. This series is the first to have fatalities of main characters, a characteristic that continues to the end if I'm not mistaken. Avon in particular uses his blaster regularly as combat is a regular feature of the series. My favourite episode is `Gambit' which is such a classic it should be shown at Christmas. I remember this episode from when I was still at school and for me it's the jewel in the crown of the second series. At the other end of the spectrum although I did quite like some of `Voice from the past' the part where Travis is revealed, now potentially able to control the enormously potent Liberator and Orac, then tells the crew to teleport him is for me a low point in credibility. Travis would hardly trust his archenemies to teleport him into space or a nearby sun. This is a minor glitch and a trait of the Blake's 7 series, sacrificing a little realism but making an intriguing show. Avon is a character I particularly like in this series. He wants the Liberator for himself and seems to be constantly on the verge of going alone. In `Horizon' he ends up being the last man standing and you almost wonder whether he will take off with the ship and its treasures with Orac. His relationship with Blake is strained and he treats Vila like a monkey. Vila is another fine character; always worried about his personal safety this comical character finds the lifestyle terrifying running around with his box of tricks amid the explosions. All in all a fine series that solidly builds upon the super platform of the original series. Originality and intrigue on a grand scale Blake's 7 delivers yet again.

Slightly shaky start.......2006-03-30

Blake's 7 Series 2 kicks off to a slightly shaky start, resolving the cliff-hanger from the end of series one in a somewhat perfunctory manner, also dispensing with the mystery of the Liberator's origins in the same opening episode. Chris Boucher's two episodes on this disc (Shadow and Weapon) are more stylish, almost surreal affairs showing a great deal more flair with dialogue than Terry Nation and also a more adult non-literal feel to the story telling.

Still the rough edges abound, the solution to Orac being taken over is to fit him with a bomb so he explodes if it happens again. Hmm.

Weapon features some inspired scenery-chewing from John Bennett (Doctor Who: Talons of Weng-Chiang) and the delectable and seemingly vanished Candace Glendenning, and the return of Jacqui Pearce's Servalan, and Travis mk 2, now less subtly portrayed.

All in all, not the best 3 episodes so far, but no clunkers.

Blakes 7 at its peek.......2006-03-16

Season two begins where season one ended, with the crew facing Orac's prediction. Terry Nation's opening episode "Redemption" is a fast paced action adventure which clearly builds on the cliffhanger ending without letting the fans down. We finaly meet the race of beings that created the liberator, and Nation explores the idea of the ship being a "living entity", although the snake like powercable "bleeding" on the floor goes a bit too far ! There is one powerful scene where Zen gives a status report as Blake is being tortured showing that Blake has lost command, and confirming Zen's emotionless impartialy.
The scripting for the rest of the season was shared with other witers incluing Chris Boucher, Alan Prior and Robert Holmes. These writers all input their own ideas into the series, but still kept its dark tones. All the script writers made excelent use of Orac who / which was given some of the best lines in the series. Robert Holmes developed the "Avon Villa" relationship to the point that the unlikey pair became almost a comedy due. The main Story arc of Season two involves Blake and crew's search for Federation Central control. This results in a series of very powerful episodes. In "pressure point" a main character is killed off showing that the crew could be beaten. Cast and crew give some wonderfull perofrmances, including Jaqueline Pearce as the venomous Servalan. Her interactions with Karnel and Jobain in "Weapon" and "Hostage" respectivly show her at her most condescending...Brilliant!
Season two is let down by some poor prodction values. Asteroid PK72, for example, is a painting that would put a primary school production to shame, and seeing the Crimmos being killed by Polystyrene blocks in "hostage" just looks silly.
The series peeks in the last few episodes as the crew get closer and closer to Star One. The epsiode "Gambit" is a fantastic episode full of plotting, sub plotting, betrayal, double crossing, a game of chess, and the BBC costume departement going wild ! Aubrey wood gives a magnificently camp performance as Krantor and Pearce also gives one of her best performances, showing servalan at her most devious. The Costume department had a wonderful time in "The Keeper" showing that Sci Fi can take place in Low tech "dark age" style environments.
"Gambit" "The Keeper" (magnifent performance from Bruce Purhcase) and Star One" bring the story Arc to a fitting climax and Paul Darrow gives a wonderfull expression when Blake announces "For what it is worth, I have always trusted you". This performance is evelavted to retrospective shakespearian Irony after Season 4 is witnessed.....
The only other dissapointment is the casting of Brian Croucher as Travis. With all respect to Mr Croucher, his portrayel of the Space Commander as a bumbling cockney fool doesn not always work.
Minor isses aside, Season two is simply Blakes 7 at its peek. Some of the best episodes, best performances, and the strongest story arc of the entire series. Enjoy.

Average customer rating:

The Beeb's definitive space opera
CLASSIC!
Blakes 7 Series 1 - A fine start to a wonderful series
Regret , is part of being alive , just keep it a small part
Deliverance

Blake's 7 - Series 1 - Complete [1978]
Director: Jonathan Wright-Miller , Douglas Camfield , Fiona Cumming , Vivienne Cozens , and Viktors Ritelis
Manufacturer: 2 Entertain Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000085RK5
Release Date: 2004-03-01

Amazon.co.uk Review

Blake's 7 was the hit BBC space opera launched in the wake of Star Wars, though with a grittier sensibility and produced on a fraction of the budget. Over 13 episodes the first series introduced freedom-fighter Blake (Gareth Thomas) as he escaped from the Orwellian Federation, gathered a crew of low-life rebels, salvaged an alien starship called the Liberator, and began striking back against the forces of Supreme Commander Servalan (sultry Jacqueline Pearce). The effects were cheap, and alien planets were represented by a disused quarry or an industrial complex, but the strong characters and cynical storylines created by Doctor Who veteran Terry Nation remain involving.

The perfect foil for Blake was Paul Darrow's Avon, a near psychopathic criminal mastermind who only fought to save his skin. The cowardly Vila (Michael Keating) was almost as memorable, while the female leads were Jenna (Sally Knyvette), a smuggler and pilot, and determined Auron telepath Cally (Jan Chappell). Also on board was Gan (David Jackson), inhibited from violence by a brain implant. With even the good guys being criminals, including murderers, this was a galaxy far, far away from previous screen space opera. Though undeniably dated, the show is still vintage TV SF, right from the opening three-parter "The Way Back / Spacefall / Cygnus Alpha" to the cliff-hanging shocker "Orac", which introduces the final member of the un-magnificent seven.

On the DVD: Blake's 7, Series 1 presents the 13 episodes across five DVDs so as to maximise picture quality. Following the BBC's Doctor Who DVDs the 4:3 images are as strong as one could expect from a 1970s TV show shot partly on video (interiors) and 16 mm film (exteriors). Film shots have some grain and vary considerably in quality while the video material shows occasional minor tearing and flaws in the tape. Otherwise these are as good as Blake's 7 is ever going to look. The same is true of the mono sound, which is clear and undistorted.

Each DVD is introduced with a CGI reincarnation of the series' famous logo and three episodes are offered with a commentary. These are "Spacefall" (Sally Knyvette, Michael Keating and producer David Maloney), "Seek-Locate-Destroy" (Keating, Jacqueline Pearce and Stephen Greif) and "Project Avalon" (Knyvette, Pearce and Greif). The chat ranges from high-school reunion playfulness, including singing the title music, to some more serious insights into making the show, to an amusing running debate as to whether Glynis Barber appears in "Project Avalon". Other extras are "2 out takes, a missing scene, 1 robot, 2 flat feet and a blooper". These are exactly what they say: an extract from Blue Peter in 1978 with Lesley Judd making a Blake's 7 bracelet; nine clip compilations introducing the main characters; a synopsis for each episode; and a trailer for the Series 2 DVDs. --Gary S Dalkin

Customer Reviews:

The Beeb's definitive space opera.......2008-03-04

Yes, it's low budget. Yes, the sets wobble. Yes, the costumes are naff. But Blake's 7 has that certain 'something' that makes it special and something to be cherished. The first of the four seasons isn't the best, but it does have a freshness and harder edge that gradually diminished as the show went on. What makes this show so watchable are it's characters who are wonderfully brought to life by some excellent actors. The Blake's 7 universe is a very dark and pessimistic one, the total opposite of Star Trek, an Orwellian 1984 scenario in space with the heroic Blake and his crew bravely fighting against overwhelming odds. The first episode, The Way Back is one of the finest episodes of the entire series and one of the most adult too (Blake being convicted on false charges of child molestation) and the other'7' main characters being far from clean cut and wholesome, consisting of thieves, murderers, smugglers and the cynical and cold Avon, played by Paul Darrow who would become the show's most memorable character. Other great episodes this season include Seek Locate Destroy which introduces the two main rivals, Servalan and Travis, Duel and the cliffhanger finale Orac. A superb start to one of the finest sci-fi shows ever made.

CLASSIC!.......2007-08-11

When you talk about quality acting then you need look no further than this. Each character is so well drawn that i honestly can't believe that Grammy's weren't smothering the cast. This is top notch entertainment indeed i could almost use the word 'Olivier' when watching this. I haven't seen such jaw dropping theatrics since Hugh Grant's last effort and that is praise indeed. The storylines must have been toiled over for at least a day and the special effects are worthy of Ridley Scott's 'Alien' trilogy (which pails in comparison with this) You can feel the tension between the actors during the set pieces (never since Roger Moore has the left eyebrow and pursed lips been used to such effect) So believable were some of the story lines that it wouldn't surprise me if some watchers thought they were watching a real life drama documentary. Why oh why won't they revive this classic? If they can do it with the inferior Dr. Who then Blake's should be top of the list (after reviving 'crossroads' of course) All i can say that anyone who has been weaned on Hollywood's sci-fi should head for this. The BBC licence fee was never better utilised!

Blakes 7 Series 1 - A fine start to a wonderful series.......2006-05-20

Blakes 7 is the classic SCI-FI series. In series 1 there are thirteen episodes chartering the life and times of a band of renegades against the mighty Terran Federation. In a similar way to `A Clockwork Orange' Blake's 7 finds spectacle not in law abiding honour but the honour of criminals. The future according to this series is depressing: of technology racing ahead but mixed with conflict and corruption. This type of thing tells you something about the kind of series you are watching - no compromise SCI-FI. The series starts off quite slowly and it might be possible for the less discerning viewer to reject Blake's 7 early on. However it's not long before the major strengths of this series become apparent. These are as follows:
1. Superbly original and imaginative storytelling
2. Intricate and realistic characters
3. Plausible use of low budget effects
4. Magnetic draw on the viewer to keep on watching
5. Touches of genius sprinkled through the episodes
6. The music
Blake is a strong leader, already well known for previous exploits. With a piece of good fortune they capture the superstarship the `Liberator'. One aspect of Blake's 7 that will keep you on the edge of your seat is the tense action and risk taking. Blake takes some formidable risks throughout the series. Early on when nobody is confident with the teleport system Blake volunteers to try it out, risking his particles being spread across the universe. Success hangs by the slenderest of threads. The characters are marvels:
1. Blake - a natural leader, honourable, humane, idealistic and moralistic
2. Avon - a leader, highly intelligent, high ability with computers, materialistic
3. Villa - a coward, very criminal, breaks into anything, comic
4. Jenna - a pilot/smuggler, interacts a lot with Blake, dependable
5. Cally - a telepathic alien, not criminal, has good insight into problems
6. Gan - murderer, strong man, gentle giant, practical
The interaction of these characters is one aspect that makes the series a star. The arguments, conflicts and different ways of seeing things is plausible and done to great effect. Against this band is the immensely powerful Federation headed by Servalan and the renegade space commander Travis. Balancing these two unequal forces against each other has been a compromise for writers since fiction began. The reality of a quick annihilation stops the show and a sequence of very low probability events doesn't fool anyone. If I might be so bold as to criticise such a great achievement as Blake's 7 this is the area I would find fault. In `Mission to Destiny' Blake leaves with an empty box carrying what he thinks is a neutrotope, they run into an asteroid belt and run low on the energy required to maintain the force wall and power the drives. They are stuck. Teleport range along with other facts has been stated as 1000 spatials. A few moments later they teleport back to the other ship? Cally says `How did you get here'. How indeed.
The often quoted low budget effects of Blake's 7 have often been criticised. I find them a little uninspiring but this doesn't take much away from such a quality series. They are cleverly arranged to minimise their impact and often they could be realistic, realism not always being that flashy. Sometimes when the crew teleport down to an military installation which is a gas works, it seems like Blake is a time traveller coming back to Earth from his ship. It does reduce a little of the flavour but it's the consequence of not having the budget of Star Wars. Blake's 7 is a bit like one of those classic fibreglass cars from the seventies: cheap, pretty and handles beautifully but the rain leaks in and there isn't a V12 engine. In this series there are also some wonderful ideas that add a lot. Gan's brain implant and its malfunction, the super computer Orac, the different weapons. The Liberator with the computer Zen and his character. The idea that computers might be condescending and sarcastic. Then there's Travis with an artificial limb which a weapon has been installed. The mutoids that serve him, vampires requiring a serum to sustain their life. There is so much in this series from the scary `Time Squad', the spectacular `Seek-Locate-Destroy' to ice planets and obsolete space ships. Each episode is beautifully crafted as Blake's band weaves their way around the Federation, hitting centres, stealing prized equipment with their future hanging by a thread. The acting is excellent throughout and the characters seem lifelike. One trait of Blake's 7 is in the use of female characters - this is no male dominated series. A class act, most SCI-FI pales against this level of quality.

Regret , is part of being alive , just keep it a small part.......2006-04-23

Blake`s 7 was an awesome British sci-fi series, which was first shown in the UK the same night Star Wars premiered in London ( 2nd Jan 1978 ). Created by Terry Nation , father of the Daleks from Dr Who , it follows a band of outlaws who continually try to thwart the plans of a futuristic totalitarian government , the Federation.

The real magic of the show , which resulted in a cult following and a viewing figure of about 10 million for the final episode ( a lot back then ) , is its diverse , yet beautifully and wittingly scripted characters. The sniping relationships mixed with subtle humour , the way out and over the top costumes and wobbly , yet lovingly crafted and original sets and spaceship models made the show unmissable. Both good and bad guys alike are flawed. And no-one is really safe , neutron blaster in hand or not. The show was forever being replaced with new blood. This sugar and spice approach gives it a wonderfully rich flavour , which keeps you coming back for more. And like a fine wine it just gets better with age , tasting just as good today as it did back then. This is a real sci-fi delicacy that any fan of the genre should try at least once.

The DVDs in this boxset , unfold to reveal a lovingly crafted set of images with a nice background. This luscious creativity continues , as you play the first disc. The CGI opening scene , and the style of menu on each one , really get you in the mood for the viewing pleasure that lies ahead.

Both the sound and image quality on each disc are superb. The commentaries are nice and long and very enjoyable. For anyone who remembers the show with fondness , this boxset will surely take pride of place in thier DVD collection.

Deliverance.......2006-04-23

"Blake's 7" is undoubtly the best piece of Science Fiction ever, and it is unfortunately overlooked and extremely underrated. It was only six years ago I discovered this and I'm pleased I did and now that it is out on lovely DVD this couldn't get better.

I am a Science Fiction fan, however I am extremely picky when it comes down to it and my love of Science Fiction in terms of television and movies is extremely limited. In terms of television I only like "Doctor Who" and of course "Blake's 7" and I detest "Star-Trek". This beats "Who" into a corked hat and as "Blake's 7" is very much anti-Trek I love it. Of course, there is more to it than that. The whole premise is Orwellian and it is fantastic because of it. Imagine "Nineteen Eighty-Four" set in space. Big Brother is the evil Terran Federation, still as repressive as the former, and their empire is set across space. Winston Smith in Orwell's novel is a tragic anti-hero. Well we have a fair share of those: and this would be something that would continue to emerge in all four series of this wonderful show. Every character has their strengths, however as is very much the case in Shakespeare, these strengths can become major weaknesses. For example, Cally has the ability to be telepathic which can be used to save Blake and the others in cases of extreme peril. However, others they come across abuse this talent of telepathy and has Cally feeling isolated, as she has no one else to have telepathic thoughts and feelings with.

It would be stretching it to say that "Blake's 7" is gritty but it can certainly be hard-hitting. For me, the first series is the best. It is close to its roots as its creator, Terry Nation, writes all the episodes. I also have the view that this series is the more political, and shows how extreme the power and repression of the Federation is. This is good sold, textbook action adventure with intelligent storylines and wonderful dialogue and great characterisation. All backed up by a cast that is 100% committed to the show. What more could you want? If anything, "Blake's 7 Series 1" gave us the best episode of television ever: the bleak Big Brother nightmare of its opening story.

This is wonderful stuff. Buy it; watch it and you will not be disappointed.

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