mae@aplvax.UUCP (12/14/83)
Alan L. Zeichick <ZEICHICK%MAINE.BITNET@Berkeley> posted: Actually, I thought "Blakes Seven" was a much better SF series. The plots were a little more valid, the people very interesting, and the technology more plausible. Does anyone know if "Blakes Seven" was/is shown in the U.S.? I am also a Blake's Seven fan and the only way you can see the show in the U.S. is at sf conventions. I've seen about a dozen episodes, including the infamous last one. I understand that it has been offered for syndication here but no areas have picked it up. It's probably considered "too violent" to get past the censors. Doctor Who is definitely more fun to watch, Blake's Seven is decidedly depressing most of the time, especially once you know how it ends. Mary Anne Espenshade ...!seismo!umcp-cs!aplvax!mae
Alan%DCT.AC.UK%DUNDEE.AC.UK@ucl-cs.ARPA (07/10/85)
From: Alan Greig <CCD-ARG%dct@ucl-cs.arpa> > From: kcl-cs!thornton@topaz.arpa (ZNAC468) > Subject: Re: How to fix bad sci-fi(and boring sci-fi?).Blakes Seven. > And now for something completely different..BLAKE'S SEVEN. > I have been told that this hasn't been shown in the U.S. yet but the > networks should come to their senses soon. It was great, some > episodes were straight S.T. rip offs but otherwise the show was > superb. The plots were ingenious with lots of twists but you would > have to see it to understand. The last series (as usual) wasn't as > good. > I think this deserves some discussion ,at least over here. Judging by the lack of response to this posting, Blake's Seven obviously hasn't been shown in the U.S. God knows why as it was by far the best SF series the BBC ever made (That'll annoy the Dr Who fans). ** Micro Spoiler ** To take a bunch of criminals and turn them into galactic heroes took some doing but Terry Nation managed it. Even if the stories had been absolute garbage (which they weren't) the strength of character of Villa "Show me a lock and I'll break it", Avon "Show me a computer operating system and I'll break it", Blake "Show me the empire and I'll break it" and Servalan "Show me Avon/Blake and I'll break them" carried every show. ** Spoiler ** The command conflict between Avon and Blake gradually built up during the first series, with idealistic Blake all set to right all the wrongs of the Universe but Avon merely wanting to do so if he could settle old scores or become rich in the process. Timid Villa was always on hand to inject a little humour to try and cool things down or, more likely, would just hide ! The writing out of Blake made it easier for Avon to assume control and although the second series managed to trundle on quite nicely the third was becoming increasingly a little kids programme with really only the interplay between Avon and Villa holding the whole thing together. That was until... ** Mega Spoiler ** People often complain that SF tv never ever ends and that the heroes never die. Well here's one show that they can't complain about. The carnage of the last episode in which the cast (including the recently rediscovered Blake) are gunned down one by one with all the blood and guts to go with it brought the most letters that the BBC magazine (rather archaically called 'The Radio Times') had ever received on any one programme. The end sees only Avon still standing. His paranoia about the Universe having built up to such a level throughout the last series that it actually culminates in him killing Blake under the belief that Blake has betrayed them. Avon stands astride his colleagues bodies, surrounded by armed enemy guards, raises his gun and laughs. The screen fades and the sound of gunfire from all corners his heard. The END I remember walking round like a goldfish and meeting other Blake fans acting likewise: "The BBC can't do that" "But they did" And so it ended for us in the UK but back a few timezones you have it all to look forward to. Alan Greig Computer Centre Dundee College Of Technology Dundee Scotland -------
WADA@SANDIA-CAD.ARPA (07/15/85)
From: Michi Wada <WADA@SANDIA-CAD.ARPA>
There are fans of Blake's Seven in the U.S. and they have just recently held
Scorpio 3, a Blake's Seven convention in Chicago during the first weekend
in July. Guests were Gareth Thomas (Blake), Sally Knyvette (Jenna),
Brian Croucher (second season Travis) and Sheelagh Wells (makeup artist,
Mrs. Gareth Thomas).
Last year in Chicago, Scorpio 2 had as guests Paul Darrow (Avon), Michael
Keating (Villa), Brian Croucher (second season Travis) and Terry Nation
(Creator of Blake's Seven).
There will be a Scorpio 4 sometime in August of 1986 in Chicago. The above
named people have promised to come to Scorpio 4, barring any professional
committments. Scorpio is the name of both the Blake's Seven club and
convention. For further information write to
Scorpio
4064 Appleby Lane
Richton Park, Ill. 60471
Blake's Seven will be seen in the U.S. starting this fall. Some of the
stations who will be showing them are
Santa Fe, N.M. ch. 2 local commercial station
New Hampshire ch. ? PBS station
San Jose, Calif. ch. ? PBS station
Bellingham, Wash. ch. 12 ?
There are other stations who will be showing them, but my friend couldn't
recall the rest of the list. It may be showing in Philadelphia, but it hasn't
been confirmed yet. Blake's Seven was about 56 minutes long in England. The
PBS stations will run them uncut, but the others will probably be cut down to
fit in all those commercials.
Michi Wada
Sandia National Laboratories
Albuquerque, N.M.
-------kwc@cvl.UUCP (Kenneth W. Crist Jr.) (07/17/85)
> From: Michi Wada <WADA@SANDIA-CAD.ARPA> > > Blake's Seven will be seen in the U.S. starting this fall. Some of the > stations who will be showing them are > > Santa Fe, N.M. ch. 2 local commercial station > New Hampshire ch. ? PBS station > San Jose, Calif. ch. ? PBS station > Bellingham, Wash. ch. 12 ? > > There are other stations who will be showing them, but my friend couldn't > recall the rest of the list. It may be showing in Philadelphia, but it hasn' > > Michi Wada > Sandia National Laboratories > Albuquerque, N.M. > ------- Will your friend be able to get a copy of the list and have you post it on the net? I think that a lot of people would like to know if BLAKE'S SEVEN will be shown in their area. Please try. Kenneth Crist kwc@cvl Computer Vision Lab University of Maryland