Blake's 7

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***Blake's 7*** is a British science fiction television series produced by the BBC for broadcast by BBC1, four 13-episode series being broadcast between 1978 and 1981. It was created by Terry Nation, who also created the Daleks for the television series *Doctor Who*. The script editor was Chris Boucher. The main character, at least initially, was Roj Blake, played by Gareth Thomas. The series was inspired by various fictional media including *Robin Hood*, *Star Trek*, *Passage to Marseille*, *The Dirty Dozen*, *Brave New World*, classic Western stories as well as real-world political conflicts in South America and Israel.

*Blake's 7* was popular from its first broadcast, watched by approximately 10 million in the UK and shown in 25 other countries. Although many tropes of space opera are present, such as spaceships, robots, galactic empires and aliens, its budget was inadequate for its interstellar theme. Critical responses have been varied; some reviewers praised the series for its dystopian themes, strong characterisation, ambiguous morality and pessimistic tone, as well as displaying an "enormous sense of fun", but others have criticised its production values, dialogue and perceived lack of originality, with broadcaster and critic Clive James describing it as "classically awful".

A limited range of *Blake's 7* merchandise was issued, and books, magazines and annuals published. The BBC released music and sound effects from the series, and several companies made *Blake's 7* toys and models. Four video compilations were released between 1985 and 1990, and the entire series was released in videocassette format starting 1991 and re-released during 1997, and as four DVD boxed sets between 2003 and 2006. The BBC produced two audio dramas during 1998 and 1999 that feature original cast members and broadcast by Radio 4. Although proposals for live-action and animated remakes have not been realised, *Blake's 7* has been revived with two series of audio dramas, a comedic short film, and a series of fan-made audio plays.

## Overview

*Blake's 7* is a science fiction television series created by Terry Nation and produced by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). Four series of thirteen 50-minute episodes were made, and first broadcast in the United Kingdom between January 1978 and December 1981 by BBC1. They are set in the third century of the second calendar (mentioned in associated publicity material, not in the series) and at least 700 years in the future. *Blake's 7*'s narrative concerns the exploits of political dissident Roj Blake, who commands a small group of rebels against the forces of the totalitarian Terran Federation that rules the Earth and many colonised planets. The Federation uses mass surveillance, brainwashing and drug pacification to control its citizens. Blake was arrested, tried on false charges, and deported to a remote penal colony. En route he and fellow prisoners Jenna Stannis and Kerr Avon gain control of a technologically advanced alien spacecraft, which its central computer Zen informs is named *Liberator*. *Liberator*'s speed and weaponry are superior to Federation craft, and it also has a teleportation system that enables transport to the surface of planets. Blake and his crew begin a campaign to damage the Federation, but are pursued by Space Commander Travis – a Federation soldier – and Servalan, the Supreme Commander and later Federation President.

The composition of the titular "seven" changes throughout the series. The initial group – Blake, Vila, Gan, Jenna, Avon and Cally – included Zen as the seventh member. At the end of the first series, they capture a supercomputer named Orac. Gan is killed during the second series, after which Blake and Jenna disappear and are replaced by new characters Dayna and Tarrant. At the start of the fourth series, Cally dies and is replaced by Soolin. After the destruction of *Liberator* the computer Zen is replaced with a new computer, Slave onboard their new commandeered ship *Scorpio*.

While Blake is an idealistic freedom fighter, his associates are petty crooks, smugglers and killers. Avon is a technological genius who, while apparently motivated by self-preservation and wealth, consistently acts to help others. When Blake is separated from his crew, Avon becomes commander. At first Avon believes the Federation has been destroyed, and he becomes tired of killing and seeks rest. But by the middle of the third series, Avon realises that the Federation is expanding again, faster than originally realised, and he resumes the fight. The BBC had planned to conclude *Blake's 7* at the end of its third series, but a further series was commissioned unexpectedly.
Some changes to the programme's format were necessary, such as the introduction of a new spacecraft, *Scorpio*, and new characters, Soolin and Slave.
*Blake's 7* was watched by approximately 10 million people in the UK and was broadcast in 25 other countries.

## Characters

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File:Blake's 7 cast 2004-1.jpgFile:Blake's 7 cast 2004-2.jpg
### Regular characters

* Roj Blake, played by Gareth Thomas (commander of the *Liberator* crew for series 1–2). Blake is a long-term political dissident who uses the Liberator to wage war on the Federation. He is passionately opposed to the Federation's injustice and corruption, and prepared to accept loss of life in pursuit of its destruction. He thinks nothing of placing himself in danger to protect his crew or advance his cause. Although respected by many of his crew members, Avon accuses him of fanaticism and recklessness.
* Kerr Avon portrayed by Paul Darrow (series 1–4). Avon is an electronics and computer expert who once attempted to steal 5 million credits from the Federation banking system. He distrusts emotion, and he attempts to pursue a code based on logic and reason. This frequently causes him conflict with Blake. He becomes a reluctant rebel, agreeing to participate only on the basis that he will control *Liberator* once the Federation is destroyed. At times he seems motivated by financial gain and shows his readiness to put companions in danger in order to protect himself. He has an ambiguous and sometimes playful relationship with Servalan. Avon appears in 51 of the series' 52 episodes, being absent only in the first episode "The Way Back".
* Vila Restal portrayed by Michael Keating (series 1–4). Vila is a skilled thief, lock-picker and conjurer and is usually reluctant to risk his life. His behaviour is often cowardly, and although other crew members regard him as tiresome, he has a high IQ. He has weaknesses for alcohol and women, and apparently talks to himself at times. Vila is the only character to appear in every episode of the series.
* Jenna Stannis, played by Sally Knyvette (series 1–2). Jenna is a glamorous space smuggler and skilled pilot who becomes adept at piloting *Liberator*. She has a great deal of affection for Blake and is loyal to him once he gains her trust. In earlier episodes, Jenna often maintains her opinions stubbornly.
* Cally, played by Jan Chappell (series 1–3). Cally is an alien guerrilla fighter from the planet Auron. She is a telepath, like all of her people, who can transmit thoughts silently to others. She later develops mind-reading, telekinesis and precognition abilities, but is also uniquely vulnerable to telepathic control by alien forces. Cally develops as the moral conscience of the group, especially for later episodes of series 2 and throughout series 3.
* Dayna Mellanby, played by Josette Simon (series 3–4). The daughter of former dissident Hal Mellanby, Dayna is an expert in weapons technology. She is adept at designing mechanized weapons, but also appreciates the nobility of what she describes as more 'primitive' combat. Brave and loyal, but at times reckless and naive, she often successfully challenges men who are supposedly accomplished fighters. Her vendetta against Servalan (who murdered her father) motivates her to endorse Avon's fighting of the Federation.
* Del Tarrant, played by Steven Pacey (series 3–4). Tarrant is an expert pilot who trained with the Federation before beginning illegal activities. He is ruthless and charming, and often challenges Avon's leadership. He also takes advantage of Vila's cowardice, whom he bullies into performing his instructions.
* Olag Gan, played by David Jackson (series 1–2). Having killed the Federation guard who murdered his girlfriend, Gan has been implanted with an electronic "limiter" device which prevents him from ever killing again. However, he is courageous, strong and dedicated to Blake's cause.
* Soolin, played by Glynis Barber (series 4). Soolin is an expert gunfighter, distinctive for her apparent lack of fear or self-doubt, perhaps developed in response to the fact that her parents were murdered when she was a child. She joins the group after she is betrayed by Dorian, her partner. No one can match her speed of drawing a gun. Soolin's logical and cynical attitude proves an asset to her colleagues. On several occasions her quick thinking and poignant actions save the crew from perishing, overpowering the Cancer Assassin and surviving the Betafarl Conspiracy.
* Orac, voiced by Derek Farr (first appearance) and Peter Tuddenham (series 2–4). Orac is a portable super-computer capable of reading any other computer's data and built by an inventor named Ensor. It uses a component called a Tariel cell – a universal computer component – and can access information stored on any computer that uses one. It can also control other computers. Orac dislikes work that it considers unnecessary, enjoys gathering information and has delusions of grandeur.
* Zen, voiced by Peter Tuddenham (series 1–3). The main computer aboard *Liberator*, Zen controls the craft's secondary systems, including the battle and guidance computers. It is susceptible to interference from outside influences, such as Orac. It is considered a character in its own right. It is rendered nonfunctional after *Liberator* is damaged by fluid particles, and is destroyed with the ship.
* Slave, voiced by Peter Tuddenham (series 4). Introduced during the fourth series, Slave was built and programmed by Dorian and is the master computer of Dorian's ship, *Scorpio*. It has a cringing personality, frequently apologetic and obsequious, and addresses Avon as "master" and others as "sir" or "madam".

### Other recurring characters

* Supreme Commander Servalan/Commissioner Sleer portrayed by Jacqueline Pearce. Servalan began her service career as a cadet, and eventually became Supreme Commander of the Terran Federation. Her desire for power began at the age of eighteen when her lover abandoned her. Shortly before the Intergalactic War, Servalan conducted a military coup and installed herself as President. During her isolation on Terminal she is replaced but adopts a pseudonym, Commissioner Sleer, by which she conducts a campaign of drug-induced pacification in order to regain territory for the Federation. Servalan is determined to pursue the crew of the *Liberator* and win control of the ship for herself.
* Space Commander Travis, played by Stephen Greif in the first series and Brian Croucher in the second series. Travis is a dedicated and ruthless Federation officer, with the rank of Space Commander. Travis's left eye and arm were destroyed by Blake, and replaced with an eye patch and a prosthetic arm fitted with a concealed weapon. Travis is known for treating his troops well and leading them personally, but also for his ruthlessness and contempt for human life. After his trial and conviction for killing civilians, Travis becomes increasingly obsessed with killing Blake.

## Sources and themes

Series creator Terry Nation pitched *Blake's 7* to the BBC as "*The Dirty Dozen* in space", a reference to the 1967 Robert Aldrich movie in which a disparate group of convicts are sent on a suicide mission during World War II.
This influence shows in that some of Blake's devotees are escaped convicts (Avon, Vila, Gan and Jenna). *Blake's 7* also draws much of its inspiration from the legend of Robin Hood.
Blake's devotees are not a band of "Merry Men". His diverse crew includes a corrupt computer genius (Avon), a smuggler (Jenna), a thief (Vila), a murderer (Gan), a telepathic guerrilla soldier (Cally), a computer with a mind of its own (Zen) and another wayward computer (Orac). Later additions were: a naive weapons expert (Dayna), a mercenary (Tarrant), a gunslinger (Soolin) and an obsequious computer (Slave). While Blake intends to use *Liberator* to strike against the Federation, the others are often reluctant soldiers – especially Avon. Blake and Avon's clashes over the command represent a conflict between idealism and cynicism, emotion and rationality, and dreams and practicality.
Similar conflicts occur between other characters; the courage of Blake and Avon compared with Vila's cowardice, or Avon and Jenna's scepticism of Blake's ideals compared with Gan's unswerving loyalty, Blake's mass murdering methods compared with Avon's targeted and less destructive methods.

Script editor Chris Boucher, whose influence on the series increased as it progressed, was inspired by Latin American revolutionaries, especially Emiliano Zapata, in exploring Blake and his devotees' motives and the consequences of their actions.
This is most evident in the episode *Star One*, in which Blake must confront the reality that in achieving his goal of overthrowing the Federation, he will cause chaos and death for many innocent citizens. When Avon gains control of *Liberator*, after Blake's disappearance after the events of *Star One*, he uses it initially to pursue his own agenda, such as avenging his lost love Anna Grant. Later, Avon realises that he cannot escape the Federation's reach and that he must, like Blake, resist them. In this respect, by the end of the fourth series Avon has replaced Blake.

Classic films, such as the Western *The Magnificent Seven*, were an important influence upon *Blake's 7*. Chris Boucher incorporated lines from Westerns into the scripts, much to the delight of Paul Darrow, an enthusiast of the genre. The final episode, *Blake*, was heavily inspired by *The Wild Bunch* and *Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid*. *Blake's 7* also drew inspiration from the classic British dystopian novels *Nineteen Eighty-Four* by George Orwell, *Brave New World* by Aldous Huxley and *When the Sleeper Wakes* by H. G. Wells. This is most evident in the nature of the Federation, whose methods of dealing with Blake in the first episode, *The Way Back*, including brainwashing and show trials. These are reminiscent of the way in which the USSR dealt with its dissidents.
Explorations of totalitarianism in the series are not confined to the Federation – totalitarian control through religion (*Cygnus Alpha*), genetics (*The Web*) and technology (*Redemption*) are also portrayed.
Such authoritarian dystopias are common in Terry Nation's work, such his *Doctor Who* story, *Genesis of the Daleks*.

Loyalty and trust are important themes of the series.
Avon is presented with several opportunities to abandon Blake. Many of Blake's schemes require co-operation and expertise from others. Characters are often betrayed by family and friends – especially Avon, whose former lover Anna Grant is eventually revealed to be a Federation agent. The theme of loyalty and trust reaches its maximum during Blake and Avon's final encounter in the last episode (*Blake*); Blake, by now very paranoid, has been masquerading as a bounty hunter collaborating with the Federation as a front for his activities in recruiting and testing potential allies in the struggle, and this causes Avon and the others to mistrust him when Tarrant accuses Blake of betraying them; an ironic miscommunication between Avon and Blake precipitates the disastrous events that conclude the episode.
If Blake and his crew represent Robin Hood and his Merry Men, then the Federation forces, personified by the obsessive, psychopathic Space Commander Travis and his superior, the beautiful but ruthless Supreme Commander Servalan, represent Guy of Gisbourne and the Sheriff of Nottingham.

A common theme of Nation's science fiction is the depiction of post-apocalyptic societies, as in several of his *Doctor Who* serials, for example *The Daleks*, *Death to the Daleks* and *The Android Invasion* and in his series *Survivors*, which Nation created before *Blake's 7*. Post-apocalyptic societies feature in several *Blake's 7* episodes including *Duel*, *Deliverance*, *City at the Edge of the World* and *Terminal*. Although not explicitly stated, some publicity material for the series refers to the Federation as having developed after a nuclear holocaust on Earth.

## Plot summary

Further information: List of Blake's 7 episodes
The series is set in a future age of interstellar travel and concerns the exploits of a group of renegades and convicted criminals. Gareth Thomas played the eponymous character Roj Blake, a political dissident who is arrested, tried and convicted on false charges, and then deported from Earth to a prison planet. He and two fellow prisoners, treated as expendable, are sent to board and investigate an abandoned alien spacecraft. They get the ship working, commandeer it, rescue two more prisoners, and are joined by an alien guerrilla with telepathic abilities. In their attempts to stay ahead of their enemies and inspire others to rebel, they encounter a great variety of cultures on different planets, and are forced to confront human and alien threats. The group performs a campaign against the totalitarian Terran Federation until an intergalactic war occurs. Blake disappears and Kerr Avon then commands the group. When their spacecraft is destroyed and one group member dies, they commandeer an inferior craft and a base on a distant planet, from which they continue their campaign. In the final episode Avon finds Blake and, suspecting him of betraying the group, kills him. The group is then shot by Federation guards, who surround Avon in the final scene.

### Series One

Roj Blake, a worker of high social status classified as "alpha-grade", lives in a domed city. Similar domes house most of the Earth's population. Blake is approached by a group of political dissidents who take him outside the city to meet their commander, Bran Foster. According to Foster, Blake was once the commander of an influential group of political activists opposed to the Federation's Earth Administration. Blake was arrested, brainwashed and coerced into making a confession denouncing the rebellion. His memory of those years was then blocked. Foster wants Blake to rejoin the dissidents. Suddenly, the meeting is interrupted by the arrival of Federation security forces, who shoot and kill the crowd of rebels. Blake, the only survivor, returns to the city, where he begins to remember his past. He is arrested, tried on false charges of child molestation and sentenced to deportation to the prison planet Cygnus Alpha.

On the prison ship, *London*, Blake meets thief Vila Restal, smuggler Jenna Stannis, murderer Olag Gan and computer engineer Kerr Avon. The *London* encounters a battle between two alien space fleets and *London*'s crew plot a course to avoid the combat zone and continue their voyage. They encounter a strange alien craft, board it and attempt to salvage it but are thwarted by the alien ship's defence mechanism. The captain of the *London* sends the expendable Blake, Avon, and Jenna across to the ship. Blake defeats the defence system when it tries to use memories he recently discovered were false. With Jenna as pilot, the three convicts escape in the alien craft.

Blake and his crew follow the *London* to Cygnus Alpha in their captured ship, which they have named *Liberator*. They retrieve Vila and Gan, while Blake leaves the other prisoners. Blake wants to use *Liberator* and its new crew to attack the Federation with the others, especially Avon, as reluctant followers. Blake's first target is a communications station on the planet Saurian Major. Blake infiltrates the station and is assisted by Cally, a telepathic guerrilla soldier from the planet Auron. Blake invites Cally to join the crew. With this new arrival, and including *Liberator*'s computer, Zen, *Liberator* has a crew of seven.

 File:B7Servalan.jpeg   As Blake's attacks against the Federation become bolder, he has less success. Political pressure grows on the Administration with planetary commanders threatening to leave the Federation because of its inability to protect them from Blake's attacks. Rumours abound about Blake's heroism, and other rebel groups use Blake's name for their actions. Supreme Commander Servalan appoints Space Commander Travis, who has a personal vendetta against Blake, to eliminate Blake and capture *Liberator*. Servalan often co-opts Travis for her personal projects and uses Blake as a cover for her own activities. When Travis repeatedly fails to eliminate Blake, Servalan does not assign the task to another officer and does not use more resources to eliminate Blake.

Blake meets a man named Ensor and discovers a plot by Servalan and Travis to seize a powerful computer named Orac, which is capable of communicating with any computer that uses a component called a Tariel Cell. Blake's crew are suffering from radiation sickness, but capture the device before Servalan arrives. Blake offers to perform the operation to save Ensor's life aboard the *Liberator*, but Ensor dies when the power cells for his artificial heart are depleted before they are able to reach *Liberator*. Aboard *Liberator*, Orac predicts the craft's destruction in the near future.

### Series Two

 File:BlakeLiberator.jpg
The alien race that built *Liberator* recaptures it. Orac's prophecy is fulfilled when it destroys an identical space vehicle. Blake wants to attack the heart of the Federation and he targets the main computer control facility on Earth. Avon agrees to help on condition that Blake gives him *Liberator* when the Federation has been destroyed. Blake, Avon, Vila and Gan reach the control facility and find an empty room. Travis reveals that the computer facility was secretly relocated years before and the old location was left as a decoy. Blake and his crew escape but Travis explodes a grenade and Gan is killed by falling rubble.

After Gan's death, Blake considers the future of the rebellion and Travis is convicted of war crimes by a Federation court martial at Space Command Headquarters based aboard a space station. Blake decides to restore his group's reputation and attacks the space station but Travis escapes and continues his vendetta against Blake. Meanwhile, Blake seeks the new location of the computer control facility. He learns that it is now named *Star One*. When *Star One* begins to malfunction, Servalan also becomes desperate to find its location. The facility's failure causes many problems across the Federation. *Star One* controls a large defensive barrier that has prevented extra-galactic incursions. Blake discovers *Star One'*s location and finds that, with help from Travis, aliens from the Andromeda galaxy have infiltrated it. Vila discovers a fleet of alien spacecraft beyond the barrier. Travis partially disables the barrier. Blake and his crew overcome the aliens at *Star One* and kill Travis, but the gap in the barrier allows the aliens to invade. Jenna calls for help from the Federation, where Servalan has conducted a military coup, imposed martial law and declared herself President. Servalan dispatches the Federation's battle fleets to repel the invaders, who begin to breach the barrier. With Blake badly wounded, *Liberator* by Avon's direction, alone until Servalan's battle fleets arrive, fights against the aliens.

### Series Three

*Liberator* is damaged severely during the battle with the Andromedans, forcing the crew to abandon ship. The Federation defeats the alien invaders but has sustained heavy casualties and its influence in the galaxy is considerably reduced. Blake and Jenna go missing and Avon takes control of *Liberator*. Two new additions, weapons expert Dayna Mellanby and mercenary Del Tarrant, join the remaining crew. Avon is less inclined than Blake to attack the Federation but Servalan realises that if she captures *Liberator*, the Federation would quickly restore its former power.

Servalan attempts to create clones of herself but is thwarted when the embryos are destroyed. Avon decides to find the Federation agent who killed Anna Grant, his former lover. The group interrupts an attempt to eliminate Servalan and Avon discovers that Anna is alive and was previously a Federation agent named Bartolemew. Anna tries to shoot Avon in the back but Avon kills her and frees Servalan. Servalan lures Avon into a trap using a faked message from Blake. Servalan finally captures *Liberator* and maroons the crew on an artificial planet named Terminal. However, *Liberator* and Zen have been irreparably damaged after flying through a cloud of corrosive fluid particles and, as Servalan leaves Terminal, the ship explodes and Servalan is apparently killed as she attempts to escape by teleporting away.

### Series Four

 File:B7Scorpio.jpeg
Booby traps, set by Servalan in her underground complex on Terminal, explode and kill Cally. Avon, Tarrant, Vila, and Dayna escape with Orac and are rescued by Dorian, a salvage operator. Dorian takes the crew in his spacecraft, *Scorpio*, to his base on the planet Xenon, where they meet his partner, Soolin. Dorian plans to drain the crew's life-force and take Orac, but he is foiled by Vila. Avon completes a new teleport system for *Scorpio* using the technology left behind by Dorian. Soolin joins the crew and they commandeer *Scorpio* and occupy the Xenon base. Avon gains control of Slave, *Scorpio*'s main computer.

The crew acquires an experimental new stardrive that vastly increases *Scorpio'*s speed, making it even faster than *Liberator* was. The *Scorpio* crew become concerned about the speed at which the Federation is reclaiming its former territory and discover that Servalan survived the destruction of *Liberator*. Now deposed as President of the Federation, she is using the pseudonym Commissioner Sleer and is enacting a pacification programme using a drug named Pylene 50. The *Scorpio* crew gain the formula for an antidote to Pylene-50, but this cannot reverse the drug's effects. Avon finds a way to synthesise the antidote and the crew attempt to create an alliance between independent worlds to resist the Federation in order to obtain the resources and manpower to mass produce it. They plan large-scale manufacture of the Pylene 50 antidote. One of the alliance members, Zukan, betrays the alliance to Servalan and detonates explosives on Xenon base, which is damaged and the *Scorpio* crew are forced to abandon it.

Avon tells the rest of the group that Orac has traced Blake to Gauda Prime, an agricultural planet. Blake is masquerading as a bounty hunter; his latest quarry is Arlen, whom he hopes to recruit for his rebellion. *Scorpio* approaches Gauda Prime and is attacked. The crew, except Tarrant, use the teleport to abandon the damaged craft. Slave is rendered non-functional and Tarrant remains aboard to pilot *Scorpio* and is injured during a crash landing. Blake arrives, rescues and takes Tarrant to his base and purportedly captures Tarrant as bounty. Tarrant thinks that Blake has betrayed the group, and Blake lets Tarrant escape. Tarrant is nearly killed by Blake's colleagues when Avon and his crew save him, giving credence to Tarrant's accusation that Blake has betrayed them to the Federation. Becoming very suspicious of Blake, Avon kills him. Arlen reveals that she is a Federation officer and Federation guards arrive. Tarrant, Soolin, Vila, and Dayna are apparently killed by Federation troops, who slowly surround Avon. Avon steps over Blake's body, raises his gun and smiles. Shots are heard.

## Production history

Main article: History of Blake's 7
Terry Nation had the idea for *Blake's 7* in a moment of inspiration during a pitch meeting with Ronnie Marsh, a BBC drama executive. Marsh was intrigued and immediately commissioned a pilot script. When he had seen the draft, Marsh approved *Blake's 7* for full development. David Maloney, an experienced BBC director, was assigned to produce the series and Chris Boucher was engaged as script editor. Nation was commissioned to write the thirteen episodes. Boucher's task was to expand and develop Nation's first drafts into workable scripts, but this became increasingly difficult as Nation started running out of ideas. Meanwhile, Maloney was struggling with the limited budget available given the need for action and special effects. Despite these challenges *Blake's 7* was very popular, with some episodes exceeding ten million viewers. A second series was quickly commissioned.

The BBC engaged new writers for the subsequent series. It was decided that one of the regular characters should die, to demonstrate that Blake and his crew were not invincible. The character of Gan, played by David Jackson, was chosen because Gan had been under-used and was the least popular character. Although ratings declined compared to the first series, the BBC commissioned a third. However, the team had a major challenge when Gareth Thomas and Sally Knyvette decided not to return. New characters were required so that the story could continue without its titular character. Suggestions for a replacement actor for Blake were rejected and Avon became more prominent in the storyline. New characters Del Tarrant, portrayed by Steven Pacey, and Dayna Mellanby, portrayed by Josette Simon, were introduced.

*Blake's 7* was not expected to be recommissioned after the third series. Therefore, there was surprise when during 1980 a further series was announced as the third series ended. Bill Cotton, BBC Head of Television, had watched *Terminal* and enjoyed it greatly. He telephoned the presentation department and ordered them to make the announcement. As David Maloney was unavailable, Vere Lorrimer became the producer. He introduced new characters and a new spacecraft *Scorpio*, and its computer Slave. Jan Chappell (who played Cally) decided that she did not want to return, and was replaced by Glynis Barber as Soolin.

Gareth Thomas made a final appearance as Blake, and insisted that his character be killed in a definitive manner. Although the fourth series performed satisfactorily in the ratings, *Blake's 7* was not renewed again and the final episode had an ambiguous finale. Except for Blake, whose death was contractual, the characters were shown being attacked in such a way that their survival would have been possible had a fifth series been commissioned. The final episode, titled *Blake,* was broadcast on 21 December 1981.

## Filming locations

Interior spaceship sets and other indoor scenes were filmed at the BBC Television Centre, Shepherd's Bush in London. For indoor complexes, such as bases or command center bunkers, filming often took place in local power plants and water turbine stations. Location shooting was also extensive with shooting occurring mostly in southern England. Notable location shots include episode eleven, of the first season, "Bounty", where the production was filmed at Quex Park in Kent. The Waterloo Tower in Quex Park was ex-president Sarkoff's residence in exile.

The series also used Betchworth Quarry as the surface of an alien planet and Wookey Hole Caves as the site of an alien mine. Additional location shooting took place at Black Park, New Forest, South Bank, and Camden Town.

## Music and sound effects

*Blake's 7'*s theme music was written by Australian composer Dudley Simpson, who had composed music for *Doctor Who* for more than ten years. The same recording of Simpson's theme was used for the beginning titles of all four series of the programme. For the fourth series, a new recording was made for the closing credits that used an easy listening-style arrangement. Simpson also provided the incidental music for all of the episodes except for the Series One episode "Duel" and the Series Two episode "Gambit". "Duel" was directed by Douglas Camfield, who had a grudge against Simpson and refused to work with him, and so Camfield used library music. Elizabeth Parker provided the music and sound effects for "Gambit". *Blake's 7* made considerable use of audio effects that are described in the credits as "special sound". Many electronically generated sound effects were used, ranging from foley-style effects for props including handguns, teleport sounds, spacecraft engines, flight console buttons and background atmospheres. The special sounds for *Blake's 7* were provided by the BBC Radiophonic Workshop composers Richard Yeoman-Clark and Elizabeth Parker.

## Critical reception

*Blake's 7* received both positive and negative reviews. The fourth episode *Time Squad* review by Stanley Reynolds of *The Times* stated, " ... nice to hear the youngsters holding their breath in anticipation of a little terror." Reynolds elaborated, "Television science fiction has got too self-consciously jokey lately. It is also nice to have each episode complete within itself, while still carrying on the saga of Blake's struggle against the 1984-ish Federation. But is that dark-haired telepathic alien girl, the latest addition to Blake's outer-space merry men, going to spell love trouble for blonde Jenna? Maid Marian never had that trouble in Sherwood Forest."

During January 1998 Robert Hanks of *The Independent* compared the series' ethos to that of *Star Trek*. He wrote "If you wanted to sum up the relative position of Britain and America in this century – the ebbing away of the pink areas of the map, the fading of national self-confidence as Uncle Sam proceeded to colonise the globe with fizzy drinks and Hollywood – you could do it like this: they had *Star Trek*, we had *Blake's 7* ... No 'boldly going' here: instead, we got the boot stamping on a human face which George Orwell offered as a vision of humanity's future in *Nineteen Eighty-Four*." Hanks concluded that "*Blake's 7* has acquired a credibility and popularity Terry Nation can never have expected ... I think it's to do with the sheer crappiness of the series and the crappiness it attributes to the universe: it is science-fiction for the disillusioned and ironic – and that is what makes it so very British."

Gavin Collinson of the British Film Institute's website *Screenonline* wrote "The premise of *Blake's 7* held nothing remotely original. The outlaw group resisting a powerful and corrupt regime is an idea familiar from Robin Hood and beyond. He added "*Blake's 7'*s triumph lay in its vivid characters, its tight, pacey plots and its satisfying realism...For arguably the first time since the 1950s Quatermass serials, the BBC had created a popular sci-fi/fantasy show along adult lines." His review concludes "Ultimately, the one force the rebels could not overcome proved to be the BBC's long-standing apathy towards science fiction. However, the bloody finale, in which Avon murders Blake, exemplified the programme's strengths – fearless narratives, credible but surprising character development and an enormous sense of fun."

The Australian broadcaster and critic Clive James gave a negative appraisal of the series. He called it " ... classically awful British television SF ... no apostrophe in the title, no sense in the plot." James continued "The depraved space queen Servalan ... could never quite bring herself to volatilize the dimly heroic Blake even when she had him square in the sights of her plasmatic spasm guns. The secret of Blake’s appeal, or Blakes appeal, for the otherwise infallibly fatale Servalan remained a mystery, like the actual wattage of light bulb on which the design of Blake’s spaceship, or Blakes spaceship, was plainly based." Screenwriter Nigel Kneale, whose work included *The Quatermass Experiment* and other science fiction, was also critical. He described "the very few bits I've seen" as "paralytically awful", claiming that "the dialogue/characterisation seemed to consist of a kind of childish squabbling."

## Legacy

The legacy of *Blake's 7* to television and cinema space opera is the use of moral ambiguity and dysfunctional main characters to create tension and long-term plots to aid cohesiveness. These devices can be seen in *Firefly*, *Farscape*, *Star Trek: Deep Space Nine*, *Cowboy Bebop*, *Stargate Atlantis,* *Babylon 5*, *Dark Matter*, *Lexx*, *Andromeda*, *Star Wars Rebels*, and the reimagined *Battlestar Galactica*, among others. The influence of *Blake's 7* is a source of contrasts with other science fiction franchises, such as deviation from the good-versus-evil dualism in *Star Wars*, *Star Trek*′s 'feel-good' political tone, and the more episodic structure of *Doctor Who*. (However, *Rogue One* does share its grey morality, lead antiheroes, and grim ending.) *Blake's 7* also influenced *Hyperdrive* and *Aeon Flux*.
Television playwright Dennis Potter's final work *Cold Lazarus* was inspired by the show.

*Blake's 7* remains fairly well regarded. A poll of United States science-fiction writers, fans and critics for John Javna's 1987 book *The Best of Science Fiction* placed the series 25th in popularity, despite then only having recently begun to be broadcast in the US.
A similar poll in Britain conducted for *SFX magazine* during 1999 put *Blake's 7* at 16th place, with the magazine commenting that "twenty years on, TV SF is still mapping the paths first explored by Terry Nation's baby".
During 2005 *SFX* surveyed readers' top 50 British telefantasy shows of all time, and *Blake's 7* was placed at number four behind *The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy*, *Red Dwarf* and *Doctor Who*.
A similar poll conducted by *TV Zone* magazine during 2003 for the top 100 cult television programmes scored *Blake's 7* 11th.

Dutch musician Arjen Anthony Lucassen was inspired by *Blake's 7* in naming his side-project Star One. Star One's album *Space Metal* features a song called "Intergalactic Space Crusaders" based on the series. The Orb's album *The Orb's Adventures Beyond The Ultraworld* features a song called "A Huge Ever Growing Pulsating Brain That Rules from the Centre of the Ultraworld", which is a reference to the episode "Ultraworld".[*citation needed*]

In 2004 a 15-minute comedy short entitled "Blake's Junction 7" debuted at several film festivals around the world. It was directed by Ben Gregor, written by Tim Plester, and featured Mackenzie Crook, Martin Freeman, Johnny Vegas, Mark Heap and Peter Tuddenham. This parody depicted the characters taking a break at the Newport Pagnell motorway service area. During 2006 the BBC produced a 30-minute documentary *The Cult of... Blake's 7* that was first broadcast on 12 December on BBC Four, as part of a *Science Fiction Britannia* series.

## Revivals

The revival of *Blake's 7* has been mooted for some years. Terry Nation raised the possibility on a number of occasions and proposed that a new series would be set some years after the existing one. Avon, living in exile like Napoleon on Elba, would be persuaded by a new group of rebels to resume the fight against the Federation.

### Radio and audio

Main article: Blake's 7 (audio drama)
During 1998 *Blake's 7* was broadcast again by the BBC by radio. *The Sevenfold Crown* was broadcast by BBC Radio 4 on 17 January 1998 as part of its *Playhouse* strand. The play was produced by Brian Lighthill and written by Barry Letts. Paul Darrow, Michael Keating, Steven Pacey, Peter Tuddenham and Jacqueline Pearce reprised their television roles, but Josette Simon and Glynis Barber were replaced by Angela Bruce as Dayna and Paula Wilcox as Soolin. The story was set during the fourth series between the episodes *Stardrive* and *Animals*. This was followed by *The Syndeton Experiment*, which featured the same cast, producer and writer and was broadcast as *The Saturday Play* on 10 April 1999 by BBC Radio 4. BBC Audiobooks released a CD of readings of Trevor Hoyle's novelisations of episodes *The Way Back* read by Gareth Thomas and *Cygnus Alpha* read by Paul Darrow.

On 11 December 2006 B7 Productions announced that it had recorded a series of 36 five-minute *Blake's 7* audio adventures, written by Ben Aaronovitch, Marc Platt and James Swallow. This featured Derek Riddell as Blake, Colin Salmon as Avon, Daniela Nardini as Servalan, Craig Kelly as Travis, Carrie Dobro as Jenna, Dean Harris as Vila, Owen Aaronovitch as Gan, Michael Praed, Doug Bradley and India Fisher. The new series was broadcast by BBC Radio 7 and repeated during mid-2010 as three hour-long episodes: *Rebel* (written by Ben Aaronovitch), *Traitor* (Marc Platt) and *Liberator* (James Swallow). B7 Productions also produced series of 30-minute prequel audio episodes named *Blake's 7: The Early Years*, which explored the earlier histories of the central characters.

During 2011 Big Finish Productions, under licence from B7 Productions, announced that it would be producing a series of audio dramas named *Blake’s 7: The Liberator Chronicles*, which would be " ... a series of exciting, character-driven tales that remain true to the original TV series. We’re aiming for authenticity – recreating the wonder of 1978 all over again!” The company also said it would publish a series of *Blake's 7* novels at a rate of two per year. During January 2013 Big Finish released an initial full cast audio production, Warship. This was followed during January 2014 with a series of six full cast single disc original stories, with a second series starting in November 2014.

Several individuals and companies have produced unofficial material based upon Blake's 7. Alan Stevens, later of Magic Bullet Productions, produced three unofficial audio cassettes between 1991 and 1998: *Travis: The Final Act*, *The Mark of Kane* and *The Logic of Empire*. Stevens also produced a series of audio dramas named *Kaldor City*, created by Chris Boucher, which link the *Blake's 7* universe into Boucher's *Doctor Who* serial *The Robots of Death* through the character Carnell (Scott Fredericks), whom Boucher created for the *Blake's 7* episode *Weapon*.

### Television

During April 2000 producer Andrew Mark Sewell announced that he had bought the rights to *Blake's 7* from the estate of Terry Nation, and was planning to produce a TV movie set 20 years after the finale of the original series. During July 2003, Sewell announced that he, Paul Darrow and Simon Moorhead had formed a consortium called 'B7 Enterprises' that had acquired the rights and was planning a television miniseries budgeted at between five and six million US dollars. Darrow would play Avon and the series was to be televised during early 2005, depending on " ... many factors, not least financing". Paul Darrow subsequently left the project during December 2003, citing "artistic differences".

On 31 October 2005 B7 Enterprises announced it had appointed Drew Kaza as Non-Executive Chairman and that it was working on two *Blake's 7* projects. *Blake's 7: Legacy* would be a two part, three hour mini-series, which would be written by Ben Aaronovitch and D. Dominic Devine. *Blake's 7: The Animated Adventures* would be a 26-part children's animated adventure series written by Aaronovitch, Andrew Cartmel, Marc Platt and James Swallow.
In an interview with *Doctor Who Magazine*, writer and producer Matthew Graham said that he had been involved in discussions to revive *Blake's 7*. Graham's concept was that a group of young rebels would rescue Avon, who had been kept cryogenically frozen by Servalan, and then roam the galaxy in a new ship named *Liberator*.

On 24 April 2008 television station Sky1 announced that it had commissioned two 60-minute scripts for a potential series, working alongside B7 Productions. On 4 August 2010 the station said it had decided not to commission the series. B7 Productions said the decision was " ... obviously disappointing", but that the development process has resulted in the " ... dynamic reinvention of this branded series". It said it was confident it would find another partner to develop a new version of Blake’s 7 for television.

During July 2012 Deadline reported that a remake for US television networks was being developed by the independent studio Georgeville Television. On 22 August the Syfy network announced that Joe Pokaski would develop the script and Martin Campbell would direct the new remake.

On 9 April 2013, the BBC reported that a new series of *Blake's 7* would be broadcast by SyFy. Other media reported that a full-series order of thirteen episodes had been placed.

During 2015 the Nation Estate ended relations with Andrew Mark Sewell and the Blake's 7 licence was awarded to Big Finish Productions.
On 4 April 2016, it announced The Liberator Chronicles Volume 12, due to be released later the same month, which will be the final entry in Big Finish's long-running collection of audio box-sets based on Blake's 7.

## Merchandise

Terry Nation had done well financially from commercial exploitation of the *Doctor Who* Daleks, and recognised the potential for merchandise related to *Blake's 7*. Nation and his agent Roger Hancock discussed this with Ray Williams of BBC Merchandising in December 1976. By May 1977 twenty-seven items of merchandise had been proposed for release by companies including Palitoy, Letraset and Airfix. However, only a small quantity of these was ever made available.

A small number of toys and models were produced. During 1978 Corgi Toys produced a two inch long die-cast model of *Liberator* with a transparent rear globe. The next year this was re-released in silver with a model space shuttle, and in blue on its own. Also during 1979 Blue Box Toys produced three space vehicle toys that featured the series logo; however, these had never appeared in the television programme. In 1989 Comet Miniatures produced a nine-inch long injection moulded model kit of *Liberator*, which contained many parts. They also produced a white metallic two-inch *Liberator* model, and a three-inch Federation trooper figure. A *Scorpio* clip gun, and *Liberator* and *Scorpio* teleport bracelets, were also produced.

The children's programme *Blue Peter* offered a cheaper home-made alternative to fans who wanted merchandise. In its 23 February 1978 show, presenter Lesley Judd demonstrated how to create a replica *Liberator* teleport bracelet from common household objects. This was followed on 6 June 1983 when presenter Janet Ellis demonstrated a similar method of making a replica *Scorpio* bracelet.

### Music

The sheet music of the *Blake's 7* theme was published by Chappell & Co. Ltd during 1978 with a photograph of *Liberator* on the front cover. A stereo re-recording of Dudley Simpson's theme music, in a markedly different arrangement to the original, was also released as a single, with *The Federation March* (a piece of incidental music from the episode *Redemption*) on the B-side. The *Blake's 7* theme was also released on an album *BBC Space Themes*, and *Liberator* was featured on the album sleeve. Another version of the theme, 'Blake's 7 Disco', was recorded by Federation and released during 1979 on Beeb Records with a B-side unconnected with the series. Many of the sound effects from the series were released during 1981 as an album *BBC Sound Effects No. 26 – Sci-Fi Sound Effects*, and re-released later on CD as *Essential Science Fiction Sound Effects Vol. 1*.

### Books and magazines

*Blake's 7* books were produced by various authors and publishers. The first was entitled *Blake's 7*, written by Trevor Hoyle and Terry Nation, and published during 1978. Its US title was *Blake's 7 - Their First Adventure*. Hoyle wrote two more books of the series: *Blake's 7: Project Avalon* (1979, novelising the episodes *Seek–Locate–Destroy*, *Duel*, *Project Avalon*, *Deliverance* and *Orac*) and *Blake's 7: Scorpio Attack* (1981, novelising the episodes *Rescue*, *Traitor* and *Stardrive*). Publications continued to be issued after the series had ended. Tony Attwood's *Blake's 7: The Programme Guide*, published by Target during 1982, is a factual overview of the series with a detailed episode guide, an encyclopedia, and interviews with the cast and writers. It was re-issued by Virgin Books during 1994. Attwood also wrote an original novel named *Afterlife*, which is set after the final episode and was published by Target during 1984. Another original novel, *Avon: A Terrible Aspect* by Paul Darrow, told the story of Avon's early years before he met Blake, and was published during 1989.

World Distributors produced *Blake's 7 Annuals* for 1979, 1980 and 1981. These featured stories, games, artwork and articles about space. During October 1981 Marvel UK began publishing the monthly *Blake's 7* magazine, which included a comic strip by Ian Kennedy as well as text stories, features and photographs. Twenty-five issues including two 'specials' were published, until the magazine closed during August 1983. Marvel produced two 'special' magazines during 1994 and 1995, with much of the content written by television historian Andrew Pixley and about how the series was made. Seven issues of *Blake's 7 Poster Magazine* were published between December 1994 and May 1995.

Several books offering insight and background information to *Blake's 7* were produced, including *Blake's 7: The Complete Guide* by Adrian Rigelsford (Boxtree, 1995), *Blake's 7: The Inside Story* by Joe Nazzaro and Sheelagh Wells (Virgin, 1997), *A History and Critical Analysis of Blake's 7* by John Kenneth Muir (McFarland and Company, 1999), and *Liberation. The Unofficial and Unauthorised Guide to Blake's 7* by Alan Stevens and Fiona Moore (Telos, 2003).

### Video and DVD releases

During 1985 BBC Video issued four compilation videocassettes containing highlights from the first three series edited into 2 hour features. The first released was *The Beginning*, containing excerpts from *The Way Back*, *Spacefall*, *Cygnus Alpha* and *Time Squad*. *Duel* was released in 1986 with highlights of *Seek–Locate–Destroy*, *Duel* and *Project Avalon*. During the same year *Orac* was released, containing excerpts from *Deliverance*, *Orac* and *Redemption*. The first three tapes were available in both VHS and Betamax format. The final tape, *The Aftermath,* was released in Australia during 1986, with extracts from *Aftermath*, *Powerplay* and *Sarcophagus*. During 1990 all four tapes were re-released in the UK on VHS.

From 1991 BBC Video released *Blake's 7* in episodic order on 26 VHS cassettes with two episodes per tape. Canadian company BFS also released these in North America. During 1997 Fabulous Films company re-released these tapes in different packaging. The BBC and Fabulous Films planned to issue the series as four DVD box sets, but this was disrupted by conflicts with rights-holders B7 Enterprises. These issues were resolved and one series per year was released on Region 2 DVD between 2003 and 2006. During 2007 Amazon sold a four-series box set, but a casualty of the difficulties with Blake's 7 Enterprises was *The Making of Blake's 7*, a four-part documentary directed by Kevin Davies, intended originally as an extra feature with each DVD release. B7 Enterprises said they " ... did not feel [the documentary] provided a proper tribute or fresh retrospective of the show".
The discs contained extra features including bloopers, out-takes, alternative scenes, voiceover commentaries, interviews and behind the scenes footage.

## See also

* History of *Blake's 7*
* List of *Blake's 7* episodes
* List of *Blake's 7* planets
* Characters of Blake's 7

## Notes and references

1. ↑ Attwood, Tony; Davies, Kevin; Emery, Rob; Ophir, Jackie (1994). "Prologue". *Blake's 7: The Programme Guide*. London: Virgin Books. p. 9. ISBN 0-426-19449-7.
2. ↑ The Federation introducing a 'new calendar' is mentioned in the episode Pressure Point). (Pixley, Andrew (October 2002). "Blake's 7. 'The Dirty Dozen in Space'". *TV Zone* (156): 48–56. ISSN 0957-3844.)
3. ↑ In the episode *Killer*, a 700-year-old space ship is encountered, one of the first deep space missions from Earth.
4. ↑ Attwood, Tony; Davies, Kevin; Emery, Rob; Ophir, Jackie (1994). "The Stories". *Blake's 7: The Programme Guide*. London: Virgin Books. pp. 29–117. ISBN 0-426-19449-7.
5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Stevens, Alan; Moore, Fiona (2003). "Season D". *Liberation. The Unofficial and Unauthorised Guide to Blake's 7*. England: Telos. p. 154. ISBN 1-903889-54-5.
Fulton, Roger (1997). *The Encyclopedia of TV Science Fiction* (3rd ed.). London: Boxtree. pp. 66–74. ISBN 0-7522-1150-1.
7. ↑ Attwood, Tony; Davies, Kevin; Emery, Rob; Ophir, Jackie (1994). *Blake's 7: The Programme Guide*. London: Virgin Books. p. back cover. ISBN 0-426-19449-7.
8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 Attwood, Tony; Davies, Kevin; Emery, Rob; Ophir, Jackie (1994). "In Their Own Words". *Blake's 7: The Programme Guide*. England: Virgin Books. pp. 118–125. ISBN 0-426-19449-7.
9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 9.5 9.6 9.7 9.8 Attwood, Tony; Davies, Kevin; Emery, Rob; Ophir, Jackie (1994). "The Index". *Blake's 7: The Programme Guide*. England: Virgin Books. pp. 128–197. ISBN 0-426-19449-7.
Pixley, Andrew (October 2002). "Blake's 7. 'The Dirty Dozen in Space'". *TV Zone* (156): 48–56. ISSN 0957-3844.
Muir, John Kenneth (2000). "A Futuristic Robin Hood Myth". *A History and Critical Analysis of Blake's 7, the 1978-1981 British Television Space Adventure*. Jefferson, North Carolina: McFarland. pp. 178–181. ISBN 0-7864-2660-8.
Bignell, Jonathan; O'Day, Andrew (2004). "Nation, Space and Politics". *Terry Nation*. Manchester, England: Manchester University Press. pp. 113–178. ISBN 978-0-7190-6547-7.
McCormack, Una (2006). "Resist the host: Blake's 7 – a very British future". In Cook, John R.; Wright, Peter (eds.). *British Science Fiction Television: A Hitchhiker's Guide*. London: IB Tauris. pp. 174–192. ISBN 1-84511-048-X.
Attwood, Tony (1982). "Interviews: Chris Boucher – Script Editor and Writer". *Blake's 7. The Programme Guide*. London: W.H. Allen. pp. 178–181. ISBN 0-426-19449-7.
Muir, John Kenneth (2000). "The Jurassic Arc: Science Fiction Television's First Video Novel". *A History and Critical Analysis of Blake's 7, the 1978-1981 British Television Space Adventure*. Jefferson, North Carolina: McFarland. pp. 171–178. ISBN 0-7864-2660-8.
Nazzaro, Joe; Wells, Sheelagh (1997). "Starting Out". *Blake's 7: The Inside Story*. London: Virgin. pp. 9–20. ISBN 0-7535-0044-2.
17. ↑ Nazzaro, Joe (August 1992). "Terry Nation's Blake's 7. Part One". *TV Zone* (33): 28–30. ISSN 0957-3844.
Stevens, Alan; Moore, Fiona (2003). "Season A". *Liberation. The Unofficial and Unauthorised Guide to Blake's 7*. England: Telos. pp. 13–58. ISBN 1-903889-54-5.
Stevens, Alan; Moore, Fiona (2003). "Season B". *Liberation. The Unofficial and Unauthorised Guide to Blake's 7*. England: Telos. pp. 59–102. ISBN 1-903889-54-5.
20. ↑ Nation, Terry (writer) & Briant, Michael E. (director). (1978) *The Way Back* (Television series episode). In Maloney, David (producer), *Blake's 7*, London: BBC, 2 January 1978
21. ↑ Nation, Terry (writer) & Roberts, Pennant (director). (1978) *Space Fall* (Television series episode). In Maloney, David (producer), *Blake's 7*, London: BBC, 9 January 1978
22. ↑ Nation, Terry (writer) & Lorrimer, Vere (director). (1978) *Cygnus Alpha* (Television series episode). In Maloney, David (producer), *Blake's 7*, London: BBC, 16 January 1978
23. ↑ Nation, Terry (writer) & Roberts, Pennant (director). (1978) *Time Squad* (Television series episode). In Maloney, David (producer), *Blake's 7*, London: BBC, 23 January 1978
24. ↑ Nation, Terry (writer) & Lorrimer, Vere (director). (1978) *Seek-Locate-Destroy* (Television series episode). In Maloney, David (producer), *Blake's 7*, London: BBC, 6 February 1978
25. ↑ Nation, Terry (writer) & Lorrimer, Vere (director). (1978) *Orac* (Television series episode). In Maloney, David (producer), *Blake's 7*, London: BBC, 27 March 1978
26. ↑ Nation, Terry (writer) & Lorrimer, Vere (director). (1979) *Redemption* (Television series episode). In Maloney, David (producer), *Blake's 7*, London: BBC, 1 September 1979
27. ↑ Nation, Terry (writer) & Spenton-Foster, George (director). (1979) *Pressure Point* (Television series episode). In Maloney, David (producer), *Blake's 7*, London: BBC, 9 February 1979
28. ↑ Boucher, Chris (writer) & Martinus, Derek (director). (1979) *Trial* (Television series episode). In Maloney, David (producer), *Blake's 7*, London: BBC, 13 February 1979
29. ↑ Nation, Terry (writer) & Lorrimer, Vere (director). (1979) *Countdown* (Television series episode). In Maloney, David (producer), *Blake's 7*, London: BBC, 1979-03-06
30. ↑ Boucher, Chris (writer) & Maloney, David (director — uncredited). (1979) *Star One* (Television series episode). In Maloney, David (producer), *Blake's 7*, London: BBC, 3 April 1979
31. ↑ Nation, Terry (writer) & Lorrimer, Vere (director). (1980) *Aftermath* (Television series episode). In Maloney, David (producer), *Blake's 7*, London: BBC, 7 January 1980
32. ↑ Nation, Terry (writer) & Maloney, David (director — uncredited). (1980) *Powerplay* (Television series episode). In Maloney, David (producer), *Blake's 7*, London: BBC, 7 January 1980
33. ↑ Prior, Allan (writer) & McCarthy, Desmond (director). (1980) *Volcano* (Television series episode). In Maloney, David (producer), *Blake's 7*, London: BBC, 14 January 1980
34. ↑ Parkes, Roger (writer) & Morgan, Andrew (director). (1980) *Children of Auron* (Television series episode). In Maloney, David (producer), *Blake's 7*, London: BBC, 19 February 1980
35. ↑ Boucher, Chris (writer) & Cumming, Fiona (director). (1980) *Rumours of Death* (Television series episode). In Maloney, David (producer), *Blake's 7*, London: BBC, 25 February 1980
36. ↑ Nation, Terry (writer) & Ridge, Mary (director). (1980) *Terminal* (Television series episode). In Maloney, David (producer), *Blake's 7*, London: BBC, 31 March 1980
37. ↑ Boucher, Chris (writer) & Ridge, Mary (director). (1981) *Rescue* (Television series episode). In Lorrimer, Vere (producer), *Blake's 7*, London: BBC, 28 September 1981
38. ↑ Steed, Ben (writer) & Ridge, Mary (director). (1981) *Power* (Television series episode). In Lorrimer, Vere (producer), *Blake's 7*, London: BBC, 5 October 1981
39. ↑ Follet, Jim (writer) & Proudfoot, David Sullivan (director). (1981) *Stardrive* (Television series episode). In Lorrimer, Vere (producer), *Blake's 7*, London: BBC, 19 October 1981
40. ↑ Masters, Simon (writer) & Ritelis, Viktors (director). (1981) *Warlord* (Television series episode). In Lorrimer, Vere (producer), *Blake's 7*, London: BBC, 14 December 1981
41. ↑ Boucher, Chris (writer) & Ridge, Mary (director). (1981) *Blake* (Television series episode). In Lorrimer, Vere (producer), *Blake's 7*, London: BBC, 21 December 1981
42. ↑ 42.0 42.1 42.2 42.3 42.4 42.5 42.6 42.7 42.8 Pixley, Andrew (1995). *Blake's 7 Summer Special*. ISSN 1353-761X
43. ↑ Kent Film Office. "Kent Film Office Blake's 7 Article".
44. ↑ Chris Brimelow. "Dudley Simpson Discography". Archived from the original on 29 February 2008.
45. ↑ Details largely taken from documentary included Blake's 7 series 4 DVD
46. ↑ "Doctor Who Magazine issue 259 , 17 December 1997 in Dr. Who/Douglas Camfield". *All Experts*. The New York times Company. 12 July 2005. Archived from the original on 17 January 2012. Retrieved 17 January 2012. Unknown parameter `|deadurl=` ignored (`|url-status=` suggested) (help)
47. ↑ Reynolds, Stanley (24 January 1978). "Blake's Seven — BBC1". The Times. p. 7.
48. ↑ Hanks, Robert (15 January 1998). "A Very British Space Crew". *The Independent*. London: Independent Digital News and Media Limited. p. 3. Archived from the original on 28 January 2012. Retrieved 17 January 2007. Unknown parameter `|deadurl=` ignored (`|url-status=` suggested) (help)
49. ↑ Gavin Collinson. "BFI Screenonline: Blake's 7 (1978-81)". British Film Institute. Archived from the original on 29 June 2011. Retrieved 25 April 2009.
50. ↑ James, Clive (14 December 2005). "Clive James's literary education in sludge fiction". *Times Online*. Times Newspapers L:td. Archived from the original on 10 February 2008. Retrieved 1 September 2008.
51. ↑ Pixley, Andrew; Nigel Kneale (1986). "Nigel Kneale—Behind the Dark Door". The Quatermass Home Page. Archived from the original on 17 August 2005. Retrieved 2 June 2014.
52. ↑ "Forever Avon" special feature on the Blakes 7 series 4 UK DVD
Stevens, Alan; Moore, Fiona (2003). "Afterword". *Liberation. The Unofficial and Unauthorised Guide to Blake's 7*. England: Telos. pp. 199–200. ISBN 1-903889-54-5.
Muir, John Kenneth (2000). "Critical Reception". *A History and Critical Analysis of Blake's 7, the 1978-1981 British Television Space Adventure*. Jefferson, North Carolina: McFarland. pp. 25–26. ISBN 0-7864-2660-8.
Golder, Dave, ed. (April 1999). "The Top 50 SF TV Shows of All Time". *SFX* (supplement to issue 50): 14.
Bradley, Dave, ed. (2005). "The Top 50 Greatest UK Telefantasy Shows Ever". *SFX Collection* (22): 50–51.
Spilsbury, Tom (June 2003). "The Top 100 Cult TV Shows Ever". *TV Zone* (163): 21–27.
58. ↑ "Arjen Lucassen website". Arjenlucassen.com. 1 November 2010. Archived from the original on 23 July 2011. Retrieved 15 December 2010.
59. ↑ "Review: Blake's Junction 7". *BBC Cult*. British Broadcasting Corporation. 23 September 2004. Archived from the original on 16 October 2006. Retrieved 9 December 2006. Unknown parameter `|deadurl=` ignored (`|url-status=` suggested) (help)
60. ↑ Leigh Singer (20 August 2004). "Little things we like: Blake's Junction 7". *Guardian Unlimited Arts*. Guardian News and Media Limited. Retrieved 26 January 2012.
61. ↑ Stevens, Toby; Tyler, Alan (Executive Producers) & Followell, Tony (Director) (12 December 2006). *The Cult of... Blake's 7* (Television programme). United Kingdom: BBC Scotland.
62. ↑ Nazzaro, Joe (September 1992). "Terry Nation's Blake's 7 Part Two" (34:). TV Zone: 28–30. ISSN 0957-3844. Cite journal requires `|journal=` (help)CS1 maint: extra punctuation (link)
63. ↑ Pixley, Andrew (2004). *Blake's 7. The Radio Adventures* [CD liner notes]. London: BBC Audiobooks
64. ↑ Ben Griffiths (17 April 2009). "Fan favourite Blake's 7 revived on audio CD". *BBC Worldwide Press Releases*. British Broadcasting Corporation. Archived from the original on 17 January 2012. Retrieved 17 January 2012. Unknown parameter `|deadurl=` ignored (`|url-status=` suggested) (help)
65. ↑ "Blake's 7 Reborn on Audio". *Blakes7.com*. Archived from the original on 22 December 2010. Unknown parameter `|deadurl=` ignored (`|url-status=` suggested) (help)
66. ↑ Jonathan Thompson (24 December 2006). "Blake's 8: The Cult is Back". Independent News and Media Limited.
67. ↑ "Radio 7 Programmes — Blake's 7: The Early Years, When Vila Met Gan". BBC. Retrieved 15 December 2010.
68. ↑ Kris Heys (5 July 2011). "News: BLAKE'S 7 To Get Big Finish". Starburst Magazine Ltd. Retrieved 13 January 2012.
69. ↑ "Magic Bullet Productions". Retrieved 22 April 2008.
70. ↑ "Travis: The Final Act". Archived from the original on 17 January 2012. Retrieved 22 April 2008. Unknown parameter `|deadurl=` ignored (`|url-status=` suggested) (help)
71. ↑ Alan Stevens. "The Mark of Kane". Magic Bullet Productions. Archived from the original on 17 January 2012. Retrieved 22 April 2008. Unknown parameter `|deadurl=` ignored (`|url-status=` suggested) (help)
72. ↑ "The Logic of Empire". Archived from the original on 17 January 2012. Retrieved 22 April 2008. Unknown parameter `|deadurl=` ignored (`|url-status=` suggested) (help)
"Blake's 7 relaunch on film". *BBC News*. British Broadcasting Corporation. 7 April 2000. Archived from the original on 17 January 2012. Retrieved 8 November 2006. Unknown parameter `|deadurl=` ignored (`|url-status=` suggested) (help)
"Blake's 7 set for hi-tech return". *BBC News*. 28 July 2003. Archived from the original on 17 January 2012. Retrieved 8 November 2006. Unknown parameter `|deadurl=` ignored (`|url-status=` suggested) (help)
"Statement by Paul Darrow with regard to the proposed Movie". *Hermit.org — Judith Proctor's Blake's 7 Pages*. 9 October 2003. Retrieved 8 November 2006.
76. ↑ "B7 Productions Press Release — Appointment of Drew Kaza". *Louise and Simon's Blake's 7 Fan Site*. 31 October 2005. Retrieved 8 November 2006.
Darlington, David (21 June 2006). "Script Doctors: Matthew Graham". *Doctor Who Magazine* (370): 46. ISSN 0957-9818.
78. ↑ "Blake's 7 poised for Sky comeback". *BBC News*. British Broadcasting Corporation. 24 April 2008. Archived from the original on 17 January 2012. Retrieved 24 April 2008. Unknown parameter `|deadurl=` ignored (`|url-status=` suggested) (help)
79. ↑ Matthew Hemley (4 August 2010). "Sky 1 drops Blake's 7 revival". *The Stage*. The Stage Newspaper Limited. Archived from the original on 17 January 2012. Retrieved 15 December 2010. Unknown parameter `|deadurl=` ignored (`|url-status=` suggested) (help)
80. ↑ Nellie Andreeva (23 July 2012). "Martin Campbell And Georgeville TV Shop Reboot Of Cult U.K. Sci-Fi Series 'Blake's 7′". *Deadline.com*. PMC. Retrieved 29 July 2012.
81. ↑ Bibel, Sara (22 August 2012). "Syfy to Develop Cult Adventure Classic 'Blake's 7'; 'Casino Royale's' Martin Campbell to Direct, 'Heroes' Joe Pokaski to Write Pilot". *TV by the Numbers*. Retrieved 22 August 2012.
82. ↑ BBC News (9 April 2013). "Blake's 7: Classic BBC sci-fi to return on Syfy channel". *bbc.co.uk*. bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 9 April 2013.
83. ↑ Louisa Mellor (9 April 2013). "Blake's 7 reboot goes to full series order". *denofgeek.com*. denofgeek.com. Retrieved 9 April 2013.
84. ↑ Bignell, Jonathan; O'Day, Andrew (2004). *Biographical sketch, Terry Nation*. Manchester: Manchester University Press. pp. 9–24. ISBN 978-0-7190-6547-7.
85. ↑ 85.00 85.01 85.02 85.03 85.04 85.05 85.06 85.07 85.08 85.09 85.10 Davies, Kevin; Attwood, Tony; Emery, Rob; Ophir, Jackie (1994). "The Merchandise". *Blake's 7: The Programme Guide*. London: Virgin Books. pp. 198–207. ISBN 0-426-19449-7.
86. ↑ 86.0 86.1 86.2 Pixley, Andrew (Winter 1994). "A Novel Approach". *Blake's 7 Winter Special*: 51. ISSN 1353-761X.
"Richard the Anorak". "Spin Offs: Poster Magazine". *The Anorak's Guide to Blake's 7*. Archived from the original on 17 January 2012. Retrieved 13 November 2006. Unknown parameter `|deadurl=` ignored (`|url-status=` suggested) (help)
"Richard the Anorak". "Spin Offs". *The Anorak's Guide to Blake's 7*. Archived from the original on 17 January 2012. Retrieved 13 November 2006. Unknown parameter `|deadurl=` ignored (`|url-status=` suggested) (help)
Steve Rogerson (November 2003). "What is the way forward for Blake's 7?". *Louise and Simon's Blake's 7 Fan Site*. Archived from the original on 17 January 2012. Retrieved 17 January 2012. Unknown parameter `|deadurl=` ignored (`|url-status=` suggested) (help)
90. ↑ Bruce Flynn (23 October 2005). "DVD and Blu-ray Reviews and News". *DVD Bits*. John Zois. Archived from the original on 17 January 2012. Retrieved 17 January 2012. Unknown parameter `|deadurl=` ignored (`|url-status=` suggested) (help)

## External links

* Template:BBC programme
* *Blake's 7* on IMDb

Template:Blake's 7

es:Los corsarios de Blake