Despite the somewhat clunky special effects and plastic sets and costumes this series has always had a devoted following. Its plot lines, its witty and sharp dialogue, and the development of the characters seems to make you want more; and for 52 episodes 'more' is what we get. Splendid performances by all the major participants, this series has all the qualities you might wish for in a good book. You just have to keep 'turning the page'. For my money this is more fun than the old "Doctor Who" series (although the new Doctor Who series is another matter - fabulous!) The BBC, it seems to me, has always been lucky in having good writers for Sci-Fi. Right from Nigel Kneale (Quatermass, 1953 onwards) to Terry Nation and others. Great fun and completely addictive.
63 Reviews
Sci fi for adults.
Sleepin_Dragon23 January 2020
I have been a huge fan of Blake's 7 over the years, and always longed for the return of the show, however, I'm perhaps glad now that it wasn't, as it seems remakes and reboots don't always do so well.
Four seasons of excellent sci fi drama, if I'm totally honest I would argue the earlier series are the best, benefiting from Terry Nation's terrific writing. Although my personal favourite episode, Sand, would come towards the end of the show's run. Only a few duff episodes in Series Four disappoint.
Don't expect lavish sets of tremendous special effects, but do expect high drama, quality acting and convincing stories.
Marvellous characters, there aren't many shows that survive the loss of a lead character, but it does, although Thomas was much missed. The great Jacqueline Pearce gave us a wonderful character with Servalan, she would haunt The Liberator crew for four years, and wear some outrageous outfits.
Still a great watch. 9/10
Four seasons of excellent sci fi drama, if I'm totally honest I would argue the earlier series are the best, benefiting from Terry Nation's terrific writing. Although my personal favourite episode, Sand, would come towards the end of the show's run. Only a few duff episodes in Series Four disappoint.
Don't expect lavish sets of tremendous special effects, but do expect high drama, quality acting and convincing stories.
Marvellous characters, there aren't many shows that survive the loss of a lead character, but it does, although Thomas was much missed. The great Jacqueline Pearce gave us a wonderful character with Servalan, she would haunt The Liberator crew for four years, and wear some outrageous outfits.
Still a great watch. 9/10
BBC Space opera
smellthecult-com-128 December 2009
Warning: Spoilers
The BBC's first (and only?) real attempt at a space opera, this was conceived on the back of the popularity of such things as Battlestar Galactica (original series) in the States on TV, as well as the universal popularity of Star Wars on the big screen.
Following the travails of a small group of escaped convicts, wanted by a totalitarian regime for trial and summary execution, this has real scope. Yes, the budget is small, and yes, the effects are ropey to say the least, but there is real ambition here.
The interplay between the main characters, particularly Avon and Blake to begin with, but building to include Blake and Travis as well as Travis and Servalan, is first rate. There's complexity and real dynamics.
A quality show that suffers today due to the production standards, but if you can see through that you are in for a treat.
Following the travails of a small group of escaped convicts, wanted by a totalitarian regime for trial and summary execution, this has real scope. Yes, the budget is small, and yes, the effects are ropey to say the least, but there is real ambition here.
The interplay between the main characters, particularly Avon and Blake to begin with, but building to include Blake and Travis as well as Travis and Servalan, is first rate. There's complexity and real dynamics.
A quality show that suffers today due to the production standards, but if you can see through that you are in for a treat.
A low budget classic!!
Davo12310 September 2000
Blakes 7 was launched in 1978 by the BBC, and in the aftermath of 'Star Wars'. I remember eagerly awaiting Thursday evenings when the adventures of Blake and his crew would enthrall me.
The premise of the series was simple; Blake and his band, prisoners of the evil federation, manage to gain control of a powerful alien spaceship, and become freedom fighters.
The series was very low budget, reflected in the poor quality of the sets (spot the egg boxes sprayed silver!!), but the characters were real (despite the occasional wooden acting), and the storylines were first class.
What helped to make the series a success was the perfect chemistry between the cast. There was the fiery passion of Blake, the cold logical Avon, the laid back Villa to name a few. Their Arch enemy, Servalan, was ruthlessly ambitious, and assisted by the focussed and determined Travis.
I would give this series 9/10.
The premise of the series was simple; Blake and his band, prisoners of the evil federation, manage to gain control of a powerful alien spaceship, and become freedom fighters.
The series was very low budget, reflected in the poor quality of the sets (spot the egg boxes sprayed silver!!), but the characters were real (despite the occasional wooden acting), and the storylines were first class.
What helped to make the series a success was the perfect chemistry between the cast. There was the fiery passion of Blake, the cold logical Avon, the laid back Villa to name a few. Their Arch enemy, Servalan, was ruthlessly ambitious, and assisted by the focussed and determined Travis.
I would give this series 9/10.
One of the greatest science fiction series ever made!
peter-faizey2 November 2005
Warning: Spoilers
I love this series. It comes a close 2nd to Doctor Who for me. The characters are excellent and the writing was always superb, so in many ways it is easy to ignore the cheap sets and effects. Paul Darrow as Avon was definitely the best character and Jacqueline Pearce played villain Servalan amazingly. Vila is also a great character, his cowardice always provided a good joke and arguably is the character that adds the most humour to the series. I have great admiration for all the seasons but I have to say I probably admire Season's 3 and 4 the most, probably because I admire the character of Avon so much and Del Tarrant as played by Steven Pacey is very good indeed. Cally, Soolin and Dayna are also strong characters and Gan in Season 1 and Season 2 was a useful presence. David Jackson always played the part wonderfully, even if the character was underused. Hats should also go off to Gareth Thomas and Sally Knyvette as Blake and Jenna and both Stephen Grief and Brian Croucher who were excellent as Space Commander Travis. The ultimate classic is probably the Season 3 episode 'City at the Edge of the World' with Sixth Doctor Colin Baker giving a wonderful performance as 'Bayban the Butcher'. 'Terminal' an episode at the end of Season 3 had a wonderful climax, and the climax of Season 4 where all the main characters are killed off on screen (apart from Avon) is just phenomenal. No programme has ever come close to having such a good ending.The location work throughout the series was very good indeed, as many of them had an unworldly feel which is what the producer's needed to achieve for the programme. Considering the budget it is amazing that the locations look as atmospheric and convincing as they do in the series, so respect should be given to the designers who did a wonderful job on such a small budget. The scenes shot at TV Film Studios, Ealing, were always superb as well, and much more spacious than the BBC TV Centre material. In fairness, the special effects in the series are not too bad either, considering the effects budget was actually £50 an episode!! Mat Irvine in particular did a wonderful job on the series. David Maloney the producer of the first 3 seasons, also made the excellent decision of allowing major Doctor Who contributor Dudley Simpson do the music for the series. The work Simpson did for the series is just excellent, most notably his score for 'Mission to Destiny' and 'Weapon' and the memorable themes he wrote for the show, such as the main title theme and the theme which represents the Federation and all their evil doings. Despite the cheap sets and effects, the writing for the series which was almost always top notch, has to be mentioned. Like Doctor Who the story lines are involving, thought provoking and well constructed, something which many other big science fiction series lack. An incredible series, arguably one of the finest science fiction series ever made.
I genuinely love it.
vonnoosh24 December 2019
Blake's 7 came and went mostly before my time and I never had fellow British sci fi fans in my life. I'm an American, always lived in the states and growing up, learning about these shows was nearly impossible. Cable TV was new. The channel options skyrocketed from the usual 13. The last Doctor Who I ever saw was Colin Baker's first season and that was because I stumbled on the show while changing channels on a Saturday evening. Blake's 7 never showed up on my radar unlike Doctor Who which my parents watched before they started buying cable.
Like most, i let my preconceived assumptions about what the show might be like cloud my judgement. I thought it might be a corny like Battlestar Galactia or Buck Rogers. Actually watching it fornthenfirst time, Im glad its now. The show has the best elements of classic Doctor Who that I was always drawn to, the writing and the acting. I believe all of these actors came from the theatre and I am a fan of Skhakespeare and lpve themoften Shakespearean type delieveries of the dialogue. Indeed Gareth Thomas who plays Roj Blake left the show to join the RSC.
Another aspect abput the show is that it takes a different look at a space crew. Star Trek and Space 1999 had rankigs and it was like military in space. They lighten it up a bit but all of the rank crap does wear thin. Star Wars was more buried in fantasy and aliens thogh like Blake's 7, there are plenty of good bad guys fighting on the side of good against the greater evil. Its wrong to assume Blake's 7 is a knockoff of such a thing since Teery Nation apparently came up with the idea of his show before Star Wars debuted. Besides that, there is so little Star Wars in this show aside from what I just mentioned. Bad guys as heroes or antiheroes.
Think of this show more as a Orwell's 1984 in space. We are introduced to the title character in the opening episode and we learn with him how his brain had been washed clean of his renegade past by the global government he fought to destroy. He learns how he was deceived by this government, remembers the torturous acts done to him to blank him memory and the true fate of his family. His resisitance fighters stood little chance (very Orwellian) and before long he finds himself on a prison ship bound for a planet where criminals are exiled. It is on this ship, the eventual crew would come from. All criminals. Some hardened criminals. Many with a high level of mistrust with one another and divided loyalties. Uneasy allies somewhat united against a common enemy, thw Federation. Blake still seeks to fight them, some only want to fight them to keep them from being hunted and killed and one simply wants to escape both Blake and the Federation and go his own way.
These stories mostly have a beginning middle and end within an hour but some carry on woth a story arc from earlier episodes. The sets and effects are extremely cheap but like classic Doctor Who, the story and acting is supposed to be the focus, not dazzling balls of light exploding every 7 minutes so you cansay to yourself ooo and ahhh like you are watching a fireworks show. There are less gpofy looking monsters in this series. Mostly they are actors with interesting clothes and heavy makeup to symbolize they're aliens. As I said, the story is the key. It requires attention and the act8ng is fantastic.
The seriousness that is often heavy in this more adult sci fi British series lightened usually by humorous intentionally dialogue. Often deadpan,,often sarcatstic. Not unconscious.
The ending of the show undoubtedly the most iconic ending of any sci fi series that I know of. I wasn't around to follow it when it was airing but watching it years later and despite already knowing the ending seeing it remains no less shocking. Perhaps the series writers and producers underestimated the value of what they created but it caused as big an uproar as The Priosner's ending but for different reasons.
All and all, my preconceptions about this space opera were completely wrong. It is an excellent show and if you care more about story, plot and performances than special effects, lush sets and cool looking props then this is the kind of scimfi show worth discovering for the first time like me.
Like most, i let my preconceived assumptions about what the show might be like cloud my judgement. I thought it might be a corny like Battlestar Galactia or Buck Rogers. Actually watching it fornthenfirst time, Im glad its now. The show has the best elements of classic Doctor Who that I was always drawn to, the writing and the acting. I believe all of these actors came from the theatre and I am a fan of Skhakespeare and lpve themoften Shakespearean type delieveries of the dialogue. Indeed Gareth Thomas who plays Roj Blake left the show to join the RSC.
Another aspect abput the show is that it takes a different look at a space crew. Star Trek and Space 1999 had rankigs and it was like military in space. They lighten it up a bit but all of the rank crap does wear thin. Star Wars was more buried in fantasy and aliens thogh like Blake's 7, there are plenty of good bad guys fighting on the side of good against the greater evil. Its wrong to assume Blake's 7 is a knockoff of such a thing since Teery Nation apparently came up with the idea of his show before Star Wars debuted. Besides that, there is so little Star Wars in this show aside from what I just mentioned. Bad guys as heroes or antiheroes.
Think of this show more as a Orwell's 1984 in space. We are introduced to the title character in the opening episode and we learn with him how his brain had been washed clean of his renegade past by the global government he fought to destroy. He learns how he was deceived by this government, remembers the torturous acts done to him to blank him memory and the true fate of his family. His resisitance fighters stood little chance (very Orwellian) and before long he finds himself on a prison ship bound for a planet where criminals are exiled. It is on this ship, the eventual crew would come from. All criminals. Some hardened criminals. Many with a high level of mistrust with one another and divided loyalties. Uneasy allies somewhat united against a common enemy, thw Federation. Blake still seeks to fight them, some only want to fight them to keep them from being hunted and killed and one simply wants to escape both Blake and the Federation and go his own way.
These stories mostly have a beginning middle and end within an hour but some carry on woth a story arc from earlier episodes. The sets and effects are extremely cheap but like classic Doctor Who, the story and acting is supposed to be the focus, not dazzling balls of light exploding every 7 minutes so you cansay to yourself ooo and ahhh like you are watching a fireworks show. There are less gpofy looking monsters in this series. Mostly they are actors with interesting clothes and heavy makeup to symbolize they're aliens. As I said, the story is the key. It requires attention and the act8ng is fantastic.
The seriousness that is often heavy in this more adult sci fi British series lightened usually by humorous intentionally dialogue. Often deadpan,,often sarcatstic. Not unconscious.
The ending of the show undoubtedly the most iconic ending of any sci fi series that I know of. I wasn't around to follow it when it was airing but watching it years later and despite already knowing the ending seeing it remains no less shocking. Perhaps the series writers and producers underestimated the value of what they created but it caused as big an uproar as The Priosner's ending but for different reasons.
All and all, my preconceptions about this space opera were completely wrong. It is an excellent show and if you care more about story, plot and performances than special effects, lush sets and cool looking props then this is the kind of scimfi show worth discovering for the first time like me.
Cynical Science Fiction
harliquinz14 January 2012
A now dated science fiction show originally aired by the BBC in the late 70's with low production values, wobbly scenery and awful special effects. On the plus side, the plots and the cynical themes running through the show give it a hard edged grittiness that hasn't been repeated since and budget aside probably the best scifi series of all time, not something that i would say if undeserving. The characters, all of them villains of one kind or another, yes that includes the so called 'goodies' (something new)and all of them disliking each other and with no sense of camaraderie at all. Well scripted on the whole, well acted by the cast especially Paul Darrow and Jaqueline Pierce as Avon and Servelan the now cult adversaries. All this gives the show albeit a well worn look but nonetheless a fantastic show, well worth the watch that dares to be bleak and cynical about the future with no silver linings. In the end the low production values don't matter as you are captured by the narrative and the acting that will soon hook you. You have been warned.
Blake's ( Magnificent ) Seven
ShadeGrenade30 January 2010
Warning: Spoilers
'Blake's Seven' debuted on B.B.C.-1 early in 1978, on the night 'Star Wars' premiered in London. The press branded the show a hastily made rip-off; in fact it had been in production months before George Lucas' epic opened in the States. Writer/creator Terry Nation pitched the idea to the B.B.C. as 'The Dirty Dozen' in space'. Like the movie ( and T.V. version ) of 'Logan's Run', it starts with the populace of Earth living in protective domed cities following devastating atomic wars. Rebels defy the Government's warnings and venture outside, finding the air breathable and clean, the water pure. As they discuss their next move, they are massacred by Federation stormtroopers. One, Roj Blake ( Gareth Thomas ) gets away, but is betrayed, put on trial ( on a fake child molestation charge ), and sentenced to life imprisonment on the penal colony on Cygnus Alpha. En route he meets lovely Jenna ( Sally Knyvette ), gentle giant Gan ( David Jackson ), cowardly thief Vila ( Michael Keating ), and brooding computer genius Avon ( Paul Darrow ). They would soon be augmented by telepathic alien Cally ( Jan Chappell ). Securing the use of an abandoned spacecraft ( controlled by Zen the computer, voiced by Peter Tuddenham ) which they rechristen 'The Liberator', they set about trying to dent the forces of the wicked powers through what might be termed acts of 'terrorism'. Each week, Blake and co. were seen blowing up military installations, stealing computer codes or just making plain trouble. The head of the Federation, the Thatcher-like Servalan ( Jacqueline Pearce ), brought in an old enemy of Blake's - Travis ( Stephen Grief in the first season, Brian Croucher in the second ) - to help defeat him.
Being a B.B.C. series, it was never going to compete with 'Star Wars' in terms of visual effects, and wisely did not try. There was strong chemistry between the cast, and mostly good story lines. 'Avon' became one of television's most compelling characters. Blake and co. were not super-heroes, just ordinary people united in a common cause - to end tyranny. They were not infallible, and often argued amongst themselves. Yes, the 'teleport' idea was pinched from 'Star Trek', but if you're going to steal ideas, steal the best.
Terry Nation wrote all of Season 1, but the following year other writers were used. The second season saw Blake engage his crew in a quest to find 'Star One' - the Federation's control centre. It also featured the death of Gan, a quite shocking development at the time. 'Star Trek' had never quite been this dark. A new arrival was 'Orac' ( also voiced by Tuddenham ), the galaxy's most brilliant computer, imbued with its creator's tetchy personality.
Popular though the show was, it had its critics, many of whom poked fun at the low budget S.F.X., one was the late Stan Sayer of 'The Daily Mirror', who bashed the show each week without fail. When Season 4 repeats went out in the summer of 1983 ( two years after the show had ended ) he reacted as though it were an insult to him personally. Season 3 saw the departure of Blake himself ( Gareth Thomas having gone to join the R.S.C. ), and Avon was promoted to centre-stage. Sally Knyvette's 'Jenna' also left. Two new characters - Dayna Mellanby ( Josette Simon ) and Del Tarrant ( Steven Pacey ) - took their places. I rate Season 3 as the best of the run, mainly because there was more variety in the plots, one of which ( 'Sarcophagus' ) was penned by fantasy author Tanith Lee.
The fourth season proved controversial amongst fans, with its inclusion of a new spacecraft ( 'The Scorpio' ) and gunfighter 'Soolin' ( Glynis Barber ) replacing 'Cally', but the show basically remained the same. Each season had ended with a cliffhanger, but the one that rounded off this one was the mother of them all: cornered on the planet Gauda Prime, the Scorpio crew were gunned down Peckinpah-style. As klaxons wailed, Avon permitted himself a final wintry smile. The screen went black. Two shots rang out. The series was over.
Fans bombarded the B.B.C. with requests for a new series, not to mention repeats of the first three seasons, but their pleas fell on deaf ears. Even with the successful revival of 'Dr.Who' in 2005, the Corporation has been seemingly reluctant to let the Liberator fly again ( though there has been a run of commercially available audio adventures ). If nothing else, 'Seven' proved conclusively you do not need millions of dollars to make an entertaining science fiction show. If it ever does return, I hope the new producers bear in mind that stories and characters far outweigh special effects in terms of importance.
Being a B.B.C. series, it was never going to compete with 'Star Wars' in terms of visual effects, and wisely did not try. There was strong chemistry between the cast, and mostly good story lines. 'Avon' became one of television's most compelling characters. Blake and co. were not super-heroes, just ordinary people united in a common cause - to end tyranny. They were not infallible, and often argued amongst themselves. Yes, the 'teleport' idea was pinched from 'Star Trek', but if you're going to steal ideas, steal the best.
Terry Nation wrote all of Season 1, but the following year other writers were used. The second season saw Blake engage his crew in a quest to find 'Star One' - the Federation's control centre. It also featured the death of Gan, a quite shocking development at the time. 'Star Trek' had never quite been this dark. A new arrival was 'Orac' ( also voiced by Tuddenham ), the galaxy's most brilliant computer, imbued with its creator's tetchy personality.
Popular though the show was, it had its critics, many of whom poked fun at the low budget S.F.X., one was the late Stan Sayer of 'The Daily Mirror', who bashed the show each week without fail. When Season 4 repeats went out in the summer of 1983 ( two years after the show had ended ) he reacted as though it were an insult to him personally. Season 3 saw the departure of Blake himself ( Gareth Thomas having gone to join the R.S.C. ), and Avon was promoted to centre-stage. Sally Knyvette's 'Jenna' also left. Two new characters - Dayna Mellanby ( Josette Simon ) and Del Tarrant ( Steven Pacey ) - took their places. I rate Season 3 as the best of the run, mainly because there was more variety in the plots, one of which ( 'Sarcophagus' ) was penned by fantasy author Tanith Lee.
The fourth season proved controversial amongst fans, with its inclusion of a new spacecraft ( 'The Scorpio' ) and gunfighter 'Soolin' ( Glynis Barber ) replacing 'Cally', but the show basically remained the same. Each season had ended with a cliffhanger, but the one that rounded off this one was the mother of them all: cornered on the planet Gauda Prime, the Scorpio crew were gunned down Peckinpah-style. As klaxons wailed, Avon permitted himself a final wintry smile. The screen went black. Two shots rang out. The series was over.
Fans bombarded the B.B.C. with requests for a new series, not to mention repeats of the first three seasons, but their pleas fell on deaf ears. Even with the successful revival of 'Dr.Who' in 2005, the Corporation has been seemingly reluctant to let the Liberator fly again ( though there has been a run of commercially available audio adventures ). If nothing else, 'Seven' proved conclusively you do not need millions of dollars to make an entertaining science fiction show. If it ever does return, I hope the new producers bear in mind that stories and characters far outweigh special effects in terms of importance.
The Anti-Star Trek
robertguttman17 March 2019
"Blakes 7" is a provocative British sci-fi series which combines elements of "Star Wars", "Star Trek" and "Robin Hood". The series takes place in a dystopian future in which the Earth is run by an oppressive and tyrannical government. The protagonists are a small group of escaped convicts who have taken over an alien space ship with which they fight against the tyrannical Earth government while simultaneously avoiding pursuit by Earth spaceships. One cannot help feeling that it was not a coincidence that the author cast the "Earth Federation" in the role of the tyrannical bad guys, rendering "Blakes 7" a sort of "Anti-Star Trek".
Although some of the production values are not up to the level of American sci-fi series of that period, "Blakes 7" is still worth a look.
Although some of the production values are not up to the level of American sci-fi series of that period, "Blakes 7" is still worth a look.
Dated but undeniably brilliant.
darrenbjones25 July 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I've just finished watching Blake's 7, over 40 years after it first aired and if any show deserves to be remade it's this one. The premise is not unique, a group of prisoners discover advanced technology and use it in their fight against the corrupt federation. What makes this different is that aside from their leader Blake, they all are criminals.
Blake is a former political dissident, his mind wiped to make him an example to others who might challenge the corrupt Earth Federation that rules the Galaxy with an iron fist and a host of subversive techniques to keep the populations they rule over, submissive.
When Blake's memory is restored he is sent with a host of criminals to a prison Planet. En route Blake and a few others discover and escape to the Liberator, an alien ship with sophisticated technology and weaponry. Blake's force of personality wins over the rest of his crew with the exception of the self serving Avon and they set about to overthrow the Federation.
While the characters and actors were compelling, some of the storylines and effects were not and the third season saw Blake and Jenna leave off screen and Avon take the lead in the series.
The repeat villainy of Federation President Servalan and the one eyed Space Commander Travis keeps the show sparkling as the crew continue to try to keep one step ahead of the Federation.
Paul Darrow gave a hypnotic performance as Avon and the dry humour between the crew, often at the expense of the undervalued thief, Villa (Michael Keating) is still funny. What keeps this show fresh is the relationships between the cast, whether the sexual interplay between Avon and Servalan, the antagonism between Blake and Avon or any of the other sparkling interactions between the cast. With some consistent writing and some special effects that would allow some of the key off camera action to be shown (a sad limitation of BBC budgets at the time) this could be another successful rebooted show.
While flawed at times this is still a fantastic series.
I waited years to see this...
mhorg20183 September 2021
Someone referred to Blake's 7 as the anti-Star trek and that's a correct conclusion. In fact it's almost too anti-trek. The crew runs from place to place, fighting the all powerful federation. In the end, they accomplish little to nothing. They never form a good enough rebellion to even threaten the federation. The first two seasons are good and then three show, in the second two seasons, loses its way. How many times can Servelan (a great villainess) capture them? Overhaul it's a good show, with watching, but it's flaws overcome it too often.
Anti-Star Trek
Aylmer3 June 2008
This BBC sci fi show shall inevitably compared with Doctor Who for a variety of reasons. For one, most of the crew is the same, the same producers, directors, writer, Dudley Simpson on music (which really shines here) and costumers. Even a lot of the guest actors and extras are familiar "Who" veterans... and the special effects and set design are all quite similarly low-quality but still imaginatively constructed.
Overall though this film is much more sharply-written and consistent than Doctor Who ever was, besides maybe a time earlier in the 1970's when Hinchcliffe was in charge. Although characters like Villa are presented semi-comically, this series is much more serious and usually a lot more action-packed (almost every episode works in an amusing slow motion miniature explosion) and even with some surprisingly deep, cerebral scripting now and then. The acting from the main players is top-notch as well with Paul Darrow totally stealing ever scene he's in as the supremely uncharismatic character "Avon".
While I'm on it - I'll have you know that I love the characterization on this show. Everyone has plenty of strengths and weaknesses. A few of the characters came off as weak overall - such as Dayna and Soolin from underdevelopment... Gan was a bit too simplistic... and Tarrant underused, but overall the character interplay was quite entertaining... particularly when Avon would butt heads with Blake (the leader in seasons 1-2) and later Tarrant.
This series certainly undergoes a transformation from season 1 to the final season 4, but always maintains a good continuity and a certain level of quality though the standards certainly waiver in a few of the episodes. It's certainly nowhere near the drop in quality as seen in season 2 of SPACE 1999 or season 3 of STAR TREK. This show is in a class of its own - imaginative sci fi which plays things straight and manages to tell a good story, and reasonably efficiently at that.
Overall though this film is much more sharply-written and consistent than Doctor Who ever was, besides maybe a time earlier in the 1970's when Hinchcliffe was in charge. Although characters like Villa are presented semi-comically, this series is much more serious and usually a lot more action-packed (almost every episode works in an amusing slow motion miniature explosion) and even with some surprisingly deep, cerebral scripting now and then. The acting from the main players is top-notch as well with Paul Darrow totally stealing ever scene he's in as the supremely uncharismatic character "Avon".
While I'm on it - I'll have you know that I love the characterization on this show. Everyone has plenty of strengths and weaknesses. A few of the characters came off as weak overall - such as Dayna and Soolin from underdevelopment... Gan was a bit too simplistic... and Tarrant underused, but overall the character interplay was quite entertaining... particularly when Avon would butt heads with Blake (the leader in seasons 1-2) and later Tarrant.
This series certainly undergoes a transformation from season 1 to the final season 4, but always maintains a good continuity and a certain level of quality though the standards certainly waiver in a few of the episodes. It's certainly nowhere near the drop in quality as seen in season 2 of SPACE 1999 or season 3 of STAR TREK. This show is in a class of its own - imaginative sci fi which plays things straight and manages to tell a good story, and reasonably efficiently at that.
eliminate...
gilleliath21 September 2021
Written by Dr Who's Terry Nation, this has all the traits of that show at its 70s peak: a great atmosphere and sense of active danger, decent acting and scripts, costumes and effects that owe more to ingenuity than budget - and, of course, a classic theme tune. It's a little less eccentric and a bit more adult in its themes, making use of conspiracy and cover-up in high places when they were still a novelty. And being based on the bridge of a powerful starship visiting different planets, there's more than a hint of Star Trek too.
But nostalgia aside, is it *really* an all-time great show for grownups? Well, nowadays we're used to a faster, slicker pace in drama, and I don't think it's possible to overlook the hokeyness of the effects entirely: white dots on black paper to represent the depths of the universe! Like a lot of sci-fi, it's also not quite as clever as it thinks it is; more suitable, in fact, for teens. Definitely a classic theme tune though - and, well, it has to have a 7, doesn't it?
But nostalgia aside, is it *really* an all-time great show for grownups? Well, nowadays we're used to a faster, slicker pace in drama, and I don't think it's possible to overlook the hokeyness of the effects entirely: white dots on black paper to represent the depths of the universe! Like a lot of sci-fi, it's also not quite as clever as it thinks it is; more suitable, in fact, for teens. Definitely a classic theme tune though - and, well, it has to have a 7, doesn't it?
Forget Series 4.
jdhb-768-6123421 November 2021
Has there ever been a series which started with such promise, enthusiasm, energy and ideas, but ended as such a mess, as "Blake's 7" ?
This is a series that descends from science fiction via fantasy to total farce. While early episodes have purpose and direction, later ones are often incomprehensible nonsense. Doing no more than mirroring assorted human dilemmas. Scenes shift without explanation, action is disjointed to say the least and often ludicrous to be honest.
This started as a genuine contender to rival the early 'Star Trek' series, and even seems to have borrowed a few plot lines, but then ran out of money and failed to realise it. The settings in the last series are dreadful, nothing remotely alien, and little more than cowboys and Indians at times; the space scenes look more 'Thunderbirds' than anything else.
Whoever actually wrote these episodes, let alone directed them, should hang their heads in shame.
I remember this from it's initial showing when I thought it was good. It was, at first; perhaps I missed the final series. Hopefully I was in the pub enjoying a pint with friends rather than being subjected to the tripe that was series 4.
7 out of 10 for series 1 to 3, 0 for series 4. Overall, 5.
This is a series that descends from science fiction via fantasy to total farce. While early episodes have purpose and direction, later ones are often incomprehensible nonsense. Doing no more than mirroring assorted human dilemmas. Scenes shift without explanation, action is disjointed to say the least and often ludicrous to be honest.
This started as a genuine contender to rival the early 'Star Trek' series, and even seems to have borrowed a few plot lines, but then ran out of money and failed to realise it. The settings in the last series are dreadful, nothing remotely alien, and little more than cowboys and Indians at times; the space scenes look more 'Thunderbirds' than anything else.
Whoever actually wrote these episodes, let alone directed them, should hang their heads in shame.
I remember this from it's initial showing when I thought it was good. It was, at first; perhaps I missed the final series. Hopefully I was in the pub enjoying a pint with friends rather than being subjected to the tripe that was series 4.
7 out of 10 for series 1 to 3, 0 for series 4. Overall, 5.
Fantastic mix of Dr. Who meets Star Trek.
torrboy4 January 1999
"Blake's 7", whilst being somewhat of a misnomer, is a great series. The first few episodes (maybe even the entire first season) are rather shoddy and have a *very* low budget look, but it only gets better from then on in.
The most memorable bits of the series are the cynical, sarcastic, clever, and down-right rude comments from Avon, delivered in a beautifully scathing voice, and the equally sarcastic remarks from Orac, the talking fish tank.
Definitely a must-see if you like Dr. Who and can get the entire series (26 two-episode videos) at your local video rental library.
The most memorable bits of the series are the cynical, sarcastic, clever, and down-right rude comments from Avon, delivered in a beautifully scathing voice, and the equally sarcastic remarks from Orac, the talking fish tank.
Definitely a must-see if you like Dr. Who and can get the entire series (26 two-episode videos) at your local video rental library.
Blake's 7 is 6 + zen = seven
jonjon2320 January 2008
Just an fyi, while there are six crew members if you add "zen" that makes seven.
At the end of the first season, Blake is talking to Avon and he mentions seven people should be good to run the ship, Avon corrects him and says you mean 6 right, and Blake replies that 6 crew plus zen makes seven. Just thought I'd post this since I know I was wondering that myself once I found this series again ...
I used to watch this series on the off season when doctor who wasn't on the air but I only remember watching it for one season...probably since I was born in 75...
At the end of the first season, Blake is talking to Avon and he mentions seven people should be good to run the ship, Avon corrects him and says you mean 6 right, and Blake replies that 6 crew plus zen makes seven. Just thought I'd post this since I know I was wondering that myself once I found this series again ...
I used to watch this series on the off season when doctor who wasn't on the air but I only remember watching it for one season...probably since I was born in 75...
Brilliant and it ignored convention
laddiebuck18 December 2009
Blake's 7 was not brilliant because it defied convention. It was brilliant because it ignored convention and just tried to be the best. Never mind that science fiction television was either self-consciously avant-garde, or special-effects mainstream, or avowedly political. Terry Nation just wrote the best stories he could come up with, and the actors followed him. If that meant that someone had to die unexpectedly, it meant that. If it meant that you had to be intelligent, so be it, the audience was assumed to be intelligent. If it meant that imagination had to be used in place of some special effects, the audience was assumed up to it. But more than that, it meant that whatever happened, whether clichéd or radical, had to happen because that was the best way. And the actors -- not the special effects -- brought this vision alive in every episode.
There is a moment in the first series that I think sums up why Blake's 7 is unlike any other science-fiction show, and deserves to be rated, at its best, with any drama television ever made. Among a collection of 20th century artifacts played by a broken man to help him think is Kathleen Ferrier's "Blow the Wind Southerly". Who could not be touched who knew Kathleen Ferrier, and all this meant? But even those who didn't could hardly fail to be moved, if even a little.
Blake's 7 really sums up what the BBC was -- peerless, fearless, and the best -- but it also, in an odd way, says a lot about England. The series is only occasionally optimistic, it positively rejects heroism, but -- it rings of truth, or reality. And that's something that's quite rare in television, let alone most science-fiction television.
There is a moment in the first series that I think sums up why Blake's 7 is unlike any other science-fiction show, and deserves to be rated, at its best, with any drama television ever made. Among a collection of 20th century artifacts played by a broken man to help him think is Kathleen Ferrier's "Blow the Wind Southerly". Who could not be touched who knew Kathleen Ferrier, and all this meant? But even those who didn't could hardly fail to be moved, if even a little.
Blake's 7 really sums up what the BBC was -- peerless, fearless, and the best -- but it also, in an odd way, says a lot about England. The series is only occasionally optimistic, it positively rejects heroism, but -- it rings of truth, or reality. And that's something that's quite rare in television, let alone most science-fiction television.
better than star trek IMO
odyn-sapsford21 August 2008
it just is do i have to give give a reason I'm not the biggest star trek fan i don't like the tech no babble that poisons the series and this is what i grew up with along with doctor who and Sapphire and steel, both firefly and far scape share heritage with Blake's seven i think this series deserves to be remade(christopher eccleston would have been excellent in it more so than doctor who) but only if its done well it could be an intelligent counterpart to the new doctor who if we could get a proper writer(not Russel T Davies) overall an awesome show (wich is about all that needs to said) just watch and see i highly recommend it
Very Enjoyable Wobbly Sc Fi.
ALIZEEBUM11 May 2007
Blakes 7 is one of those series that only the BBC could have made in the late seventies/ early eighties.Its kind of crappy yet I find it very enjoyable to watch. It has good strong characters and a few of the story lines are pretty good.Overall the whole is more satisfying that the parts.Yes, the sets wobble and the dialogue can be a bit stupid but the stories are usually very entertaining and there is a good dose of humour in it. Characters like Avon, Servalan, Dayna and Vila are all excellent and the actors do the best with what they've got. If you have not seen Blakes 7 check it out now on DVD.All series are available in box sets and I recently got series 4 for £19.99 inclusive which is not bad. By the way, like the original Star Trek Blakes 7 got sillier and more pantomime toward the end.Which is why I like the later stuff as it is funnier...in that late seventies BBC way...
Fun
Vlad_the_Reviewer21 March 2007
=== The Good Stuff ===
Though the budget was very low, for me as a SF fan this had it all, including the best character development I've ever seen. It wasn't always about the bad empire and high-tech. The people in it actually made it. We see a bunch of completely different characters. They acted very nice I feel. Some of them convinced me totally.
=== Synopsis ===
'Blakes 7' is a four-season Science Fiction drama. It's about a handful of escaped convicts, a special space-ship and even a more special on-board computer. Blake is a former freedom-fighter, framed by the futuristic government. He becomes the leader of the bunch, mainly due to his personality. He'll use the ship and the crew to fight the leaders of the universe. But as he progresses, he needs to deviate often from his main objective: enter the adventures of 'Blake's 7'.
=== Bad Stuff ===
A minor criticism is the replacement of Blake: some youngster without charisma in my opinion. He has a loud voice, but that didn't convince me he has enough authority to be the Captain of the ship. BBC should have found an older actor with more charisma. Also, there are four episodes and each episode gets weaker and weaker. In my mind only episode 1 lives.
=== Verdict ===
In my previous review I gave it a perfect 10 stars. That's not entirely fair. I'll give it now 7 stars because the weak episodes were of a too low quality and the episodes got weaker and weaker.
Though the budget was very low, for me as a SF fan this had it all, including the best character development I've ever seen. It wasn't always about the bad empire and high-tech. The people in it actually made it. We see a bunch of completely different characters. They acted very nice I feel. Some of them convinced me totally.
=== Synopsis ===
'Blakes 7' is a four-season Science Fiction drama. It's about a handful of escaped convicts, a special space-ship and even a more special on-board computer. Blake is a former freedom-fighter, framed by the futuristic government. He becomes the leader of the bunch, mainly due to his personality. He'll use the ship and the crew to fight the leaders of the universe. But as he progresses, he needs to deviate often from his main objective: enter the adventures of 'Blake's 7'.
=== Bad Stuff ===
A minor criticism is the replacement of Blake: some youngster without charisma in my opinion. He has a loud voice, but that didn't convince me he has enough authority to be the Captain of the ship. BBC should have found an older actor with more charisma. Also, there are four episodes and each episode gets weaker and weaker. In my mind only episode 1 lives.
=== Verdict ===
In my previous review I gave it a perfect 10 stars. That's not entirely fair. I'll give it now 7 stars because the weak episodes were of a too low quality and the episodes got weaker and weaker.
Great SciFi
kevinslegg4 April 2021
Rewatched this on BritBox recently and it brought back some good memories; and also it was good to be reminded of some things I'd entirely forgotten about.
Although I found the first couple of episodes a bit slow, I found the story telling and characterisations to be very good.
Sure, some of the special effects look a bit dated now (the very rubber suited monster in The Harvest of Kairos for instance) but overall I found it entirely engaging.
I also found it puzzling to reflect upon why some of the casts seemed so keen to get away from it?
Definitely an enjoyable programme to revisit - and one to regret they didn't make more.
Although I found the first couple of episodes a bit slow, I found the story telling and characterisations to be very good.
Sure, some of the special effects look a bit dated now (the very rubber suited monster in The Harvest of Kairos for instance) but overall I found it entirely engaging.
I also found it puzzling to reflect upon why some of the casts seemed so keen to get away from it?
Definitely an enjoyable programme to revisit - and one to regret they didn't make more.
8.1 stars; really?
ftm68_9921 March 2022
In the spirit of full disclosure, I am giving my rating after having watched only the first two seasons. I feel I've been almost criminally misled by the high rating this series currently has (8.1 stars), as my feeling is, after beginning with a bang, the series has sunk in quality ever since.
I can at least give thanks that I live in a country where I'm not forced to watch tv show, since to have to watch two more seasons of this one would do me in.
I can at least give thanks that I live in a country where I'm not forced to watch tv show, since to have to watch two more seasons of this one would do me in.
Excellent political thriller and drama in a sci fi setting
EvilBaldDude21 February 2007
Set in a very distant future, Blake's 7 is a story of a group of criminals, who are lead by a political dissident (Blake) to fight a rebellion against an evil, Orwellian interstellar Federation. It incorporates elements of Star Trek, Robin Hood, and George Orwell's 1984.
The bad: the special effects are appalling, even by 1970s BBC standards. The early beta-max video is harsh looking. Some of the episode plots stretch believability.
Now the good: everything else is absolutely excellent. The artwork, costuming and design is superb. The top notch cast of actors all shine (this is back in the days when the BBC hired actors primarily for their talent, as opposed to their "market appeal"). The dialog is thick with subtle innuendo, irony, drama and the characters seem vivid and real. Some of these characters are fascinating. Most of the stories are reasonably good, and the overall situation of the series is quite absorbing.
If you can get past the bad, and I highly recommend trying, B7 is hours of entertainment for you.
And even the bad has a good side to it. The trademark early BBC special effects are worth watching, as they can provide a chuckle now and then too.
The bad: the special effects are appalling, even by 1970s BBC standards. The early beta-max video is harsh looking. Some of the episode plots stretch believability.
Now the good: everything else is absolutely excellent. The artwork, costuming and design is superb. The top notch cast of actors all shine (this is back in the days when the BBC hired actors primarily for their talent, as opposed to their "market appeal"). The dialog is thick with subtle innuendo, irony, drama and the characters seem vivid and real. Some of these characters are fascinating. Most of the stories are reasonably good, and the overall situation of the series is quite absorbing.
If you can get past the bad, and I highly recommend trying, B7 is hours of entertainment for you.
And even the bad has a good side to it. The trademark early BBC special effects are worth watching, as they can provide a chuckle now and then too.
Sorry Avon, Blake, et al, but you really were terrible actors
mboyd19866 July 2014
Warning: Spoilers
I loved Blake's Seven when it was first aired. I'm almost through watching all the series again, but every episode fills me with trepidation because I know I will be not just disappointed, but actually angry at the rubbish acting especially the pathetic "fight" scenes.
I ask myself, why did they even bother? How could the producers watch the scenes and not think to themselves "Wow, that was garbage, wasn't it." The reason I liked it all those years ago was that the stories were so imaginative and allowed your imagination take hold of you. Unfortunately, you were quickly brought down to earth by the pathetic acting.
Who can say Avon was a good actor? Please, lets be realistic. And Villa. Dear, oh dear. And let's not talk about Gan - at least he was killed off pretty quickly (to save embarrassment, probably).
And Blake himself, pretty bad in the first season, realised the series was rubbish and got out of the 2nd and 3rd seasons, until he must've been made an offer he couldn't refuse for the last episode.
So what other series were these actors in? I think, none. I don't recall seeing any of the actors in the first two series in any other TV series. That must say something. There were some new faces in the last series that were brought in, eg. Glynis Barber, who were half decent actors.
However, if this were shown today, it would be laughed off the screen.
But the music was great. Really great.
And Avon, couldn't you get your teeth fixed?
I ask myself, why did they even bother? How could the producers watch the scenes and not think to themselves "Wow, that was garbage, wasn't it." The reason I liked it all those years ago was that the stories were so imaginative and allowed your imagination take hold of you. Unfortunately, you were quickly brought down to earth by the pathetic acting.
Who can say Avon was a good actor? Please, lets be realistic. And Villa. Dear, oh dear. And let's not talk about Gan - at least he was killed off pretty quickly (to save embarrassment, probably).
And Blake himself, pretty bad in the first season, realised the series was rubbish and got out of the 2nd and 3rd seasons, until he must've been made an offer he couldn't refuse for the last episode.
So what other series were these actors in? I think, none. I don't recall seeing any of the actors in the first two series in any other TV series. That must say something. There were some new faces in the last series that were brought in, eg. Glynis Barber, who were half decent actors.
However, if this were shown today, it would be laughed off the screen.
But the music was great. Really great.
And Avon, couldn't you get your teeth fixed?
Tried Hard to Like it...but it Simply Sucks...
nb-1988131 May 2021
I guess it's a British period thing, cuz almost anything is better than this. It's in the "colander on he head to make an alien" class of shows. With a budget this small I'm sure the "actors" -- none of whom seemed able to act -- volunteered their time.
You have been warned.
You have been warned.
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