Next to the show's creator, Terry Nation, the writer with the most amount of scripts written for Blake's 7 is its script editor, Chris Boucher. For us fans, Boucher is best remembered for his work in turning Avon into the show's breakout character, granting him many a oneliner and generally adding a bit of life and zest where needed. I have something of a love-hate relationship with Boucher's own writing. Whilst no one can deny that he penned some of the most iconic Blake's 7 adventures, I do find myself occasionally irritated with his tendency to sacrifice plot coherence in favor of sparkling dialogue. As much as I enjoy repartee, I feel it should take a backseat to a well-told story. It's not a huge problem, but just an aspect of watching the Boucher episodes that I felt worthy of bringing out.
9. 2x03 "Weapon"
As hilarious as Brian Croucher's insane overacting is in this, Weapon is a dud for me, mostly because of the direction. It's not a particularly silly episode, so what's with all the campy outfits and ridiculous choir music? They contrast badly with scenes of the perpetually grouchy Coser raving in an abandoned mess hall(weird choice for a setting, by the way), and the stilted usage of the camera. Zooming in on the stars to make it apparent that they're lamps, having each actor stand still on cue... it's amateur hour behind the scenes.
Weapon isn't badly plotted, but most of the plotting also seems to be just that - there's endless scenes of people discussing events and moves, rather than anything actually eventful or moving happening. It gets boring very quickly. The best thing about it is Scott Fredericks' delightfully arrogant performance as Carnell, which belongs in a much better story.
8. 3x06 "City At The Edge Of The World"
Fan favourite it may be, but it's still full of plot holes like Swiss cheese, and very shallow. I appreciate giving Vila the limelight, and Colin Baker is absolutely brilliant in it. But it's not my comfort food Blake's 7 the way it is for some. Just an entertaining romp if you turn your brain off.
#7. 2x02 "Shadow"
An underrated gem. I love the concept of the Federation controlling crime behind the scenes, the desert location is a refreshing change and the subplot concerning Orac's takeover(at the time, still a new and mysterious character) is very creepy. Derek Smith's Largo is one of the show's best villains, though he is thoroughly wasted. The biggest problem with Shadow is that it tries to do too much. The three storylines barely connect with one another, and it feels muddled as a whole. The drug PSA is not particularly subtle(mostly down to Karl Howman's overly sincere performance). It's interesting enough to be watchable throughout.
#6. 2x06 "Trial"
Trial can be quite sluggish, since it really only exists to get two things done - inspire Blake and sever Travis's relationship with the Federation. But the payoff is certainly worth the wait. And even the wait has its moments. Brian Croucher is at his most passionate and convincing as he finally seems to get a grip on the Travis character, and his defense speech is pretty magnificent. There's an intriguing callback to Seek-Locate-Destroy with the conspiring Federation bureaucracy(something the show could definitely have used more of). I even like the alien world that Blake visits. It's one of the stranger places in the series and it suffers from being inside an episode that isn't tailored entirely around it. Claire Lewis puts in a commendable effort as the "philosophical flea".
Perhaps I'm slightly biased towards this episode, due to my fondness for Series D. Objectively speaking, its homage to Dorian Gray isn't really keeping in tone with the rest of the series, the conclusion of the Terminal storyline is rushed and Cally's demise is weak to say the least. But much like Aftermath, I enjoy seeing the characters in a truly uncertain situation, as well as the grimmer perspective that they've inherited after recent losses. Left bereft of its moral conscience, Blake's 7 is at its bleakest point, and it would only go downhill from there.
#4. 2x13 "Star One"
I don't think much of this episode as a standalone. Its plot twists are incredibly rushed, full of holes and shaky characterisation. But Star One deserves this spot regardless for what it represents - Blake's 7 at its most ambitious. With its promise of an intergalactic war and the potential destruction of the Federation, it is the biggest episode of the series, a proper gamechanger. It's also the resolution to the show's longest-running arc. With all that build-up, whose blood wouldn't be pumping when we reach the incredible cliffhanger?
Boucher has a knack for coming up with original sci-fi setups, and the conflict between the United Planets of Teal and the Vandor Confederacy is one of those. Death-Watch is a fun critique of the more morbid side of entertainment, with a good bit of intrigue and character moments. The encounter between Avon and Servalan is one of their best, Tarrant gets massive(and sorely needed at this stage) development and the direction and camerawork are very dynamic. It's a really well-put together episode.
#2. 3x08 "Rumours Of Death"
Possibly the most pretentious episode of Blake's 7 up to that point(to be surpassed by Sarcophagus right after), Rumours is inspired by the tragedies of Shakespeare, with fate bringing Avon and Anna together again at the worst moment. As silly as that premise might be, Boucher goes admirably all the way with the melodrama, and the actors really make you care for the relationship. It's incredibly heartwrenching if you're in the right mood.
There's no contest here - I have such a huge admiration for the series finale that it will likely dominate many other lists as well. The world of Gauda Prime is seared into the minds of fans as an alien Wild West, full of potential for many stories that never came. Grizzled and rogue, Gareth Thomas's Blake has changed offscreen as much as his crew(most of whom have been replaced since then) and the once-protagonist of the series is now himself a potential enemy. Add to that a brilliantly cinematic direction from Mary Ridge and the king of all endings, and you've got yourself a true classic.
No comments:
Post a Comment