Review BLAKE'S 7: THE WAY BACK - Episode 01

[Mad-Pac]

When I said and still maintain it's not too British, I meant of course there are no British trappings, Union Jack flag, bowler hats, talk of blighty etc. Of course the accents are British, just as The Klingons in Star trek t.o.s. have American accents, B7 is British production therefore the accents are British D'oh.

Well, yes no Union Jack flags, but I wasn't referring to something this obvious, if course. I was talking about what I noticed, that is, accent mannerisms, demeanor, general attitude. That probably go unnoticed to you, after all you probably speakand act just like that. But for somebody from a different culture like me some of those things become very obvious.

As for "it's a British production therefore they speak British" thing and Americans speak American etc, yes, when all aliens speak English with a predominant Californian or New York accent, yes that's a very American production. (And the funny thing is that when somebody occasionally speaks with an Oxford accent or something it's usually someone very smart, like a scientist, often elitist and most probably evil!) But at least the TNG Klingons have typically non-American body language and general attitude. They seem more like what I imagine Vikings were like.

 

[Mad-Pac]

By the way, although the Federation may well be depicted as tyrannical, what makes you think the rebels are virtuous?

Well, I can't know if there are even more rebels besidesbthe ones we've seen. For all I know the Federation could've crushed the entire resistance right there.

Why I think the Federation us evil and the rebels are virtuous? I don't really think that. After all, a couple of rebels eventhreatened to frame Blake if he didn't go along. So that's not what virtuous people would do.

But *in comparison* to the Federation, the writers want us to think the rebels are saints! Because, come on, brain-washing kids to make them believe they were molested by the man the Federation wants to incriminate, come on, that's a new low.

And there are other details: the Federation guards all wear black, which makes them sinister. The rebels are friendly, polite, show good English manners, we can see their faces (whereas the Federation guards hide behind masks, dehumanizing them and erasing their individuality), the rebels have names, while the guards don't, Blake is a nice guy, and the Federation does nasty things to him, and killed several unarmed rebels. The rebels would have to be really really rotten to come close to what the Federation did.

 

[Mad-Pac]

As for British accents... So? British accents, American accents, Australian accents, French... So long as you can understand what's being said, that's the main thing.

And I doubt the monarchy still exists by that point in time.

Yes, pronunciation in 1960s and 1970s shows used to be pretty accessible. Now characters are made to sound more streetwise, So it could be more difficult to understand them. I remember Life on Mars was a show I never got 100%. I have little experience with Australian. As for French, as long as it's not Quebequois or Algerian, I'm OK.

 

[Mad-Pac]

And the reason that everyone is so polite and collected is that they're all doped up to the gills with suppressants. That's why Blake went without food and drink for 36 hours in the beginning. Although by the end, he'd been brainwashed and drugged - yet again.

As for British accents... So? British accents, American accents, Australian accents, French... So long as you can understand what's being said, that's the main thing.

And I doubt the monarchy still exists by that point in time.

Accents in 1970s shows were easier. Now people have to sound street smart and use more colloquialisms and bad pronunciation. Life on Mars was one of those shows I never got 100% because of a more regional Manchestet accent. Anyway, accents are an important factor for character building, so, yes, accents are an issue for certain. It's not just an issue of understanding the actors of not.

By the way, monarchy existed 1000 years ago, even 2000 years for that matter, so it's perfectly reasonable to assume it'll last as an institution yet another 1000.

 

[Mad-Pac]

I'm finger typing on my cell. I thought my reply had disappeared so I rewrote it. But now I see, there it is!

 

[Gavin]

OK - episode 1 finished! I don't think I've actually ever seen the first episode before (or if I have its so long ago that I'd forgotten it). In fact, I believe that most of what I've seen before is from the final season, and my knowledge of the first season is based on the novelisation of 2 or 3 episodes that I've still got on my bookshelf somewhere.

It's certainly an interesting start. Not much to get any real idea what the ongoing show will be about. We still haven't met the eponymous "7" (at least not all of them - I did recognise a couple). I like that they spent the first episode just doing some basic world building, giving us some background on Blake, and the idea of the Federation as "tyrannical government suppressing the valiant rebels". How much of that turns out to be later true I'm not sure. More modern shows have a tendency in the first episode to set the basic premise, and get "the team" together, finishing with them heading off on their ongoing series mission. I like that they haven't rushed into that straight away.

Blake seems a bit ... easily influenced? in this episode. I suppose that's justified given that he's had his memories adjusted and has been consuming drugs with his food and drink for some time now. The girl at the beginning suggests that a day and a half should get rid of them but its likely that some level of influence exists for longer. I thought of this when they first suggested Blake go outside and Blake says "you realise going outside is a category 4 crime?" which seems pretty serious (I guess it could just be a misdemeanour but it certainly doesn't come across that way), but then he just shrugs and agrees to go. There's nothing to suggest any reason he thinks what they've got to say is so important that he (who believes himself to be a law abiding citizen) would so casually break the law.

The rebels also come across a bit careless for not posting any sort of guard while they're having an illegal meeting. But again it makes some sense as they're trying to organise civil disobedience and they don't seem to expect any sort of serious response by the police/military. But given that Foster seemed to know that the government had killed Blake's brother and sister, he should have had some idea of what they were capable of.

But they do show their ruthless side having planted evidence incriminating Blake, they won't take No for an answer.

That was an interesting approach, especially given that they were later suggested to be aiming at civil disobedience and surprised when they were shot rather than just arrested.

Once Blake is captured the next steps follow a fairly logical (if scary) process. Frame Blake with an abhorrent crime so that any followers will disregard him forever. The idea of implanting children with memories of abuse is real nightmare fuel. When watching older shows I often like to imagine what changes would be made if a modern remake were made (following the same storyline) and I would expect that a modern version would have footage of one or more of the children testifying (which as a parent I was thankful to be spared).

Whilst I certainly don't support the actions of the authorities, it must be remembered that certain operatives inside the Federation are very probably highly-skilled when it comes to certain brainwashing techniques. Therefore, once the children had served their purpose and Blake was on his way to Cygnus Alpha, it's entirely possible they received further attention to remove the disturbing "memories" from their minds.

That possibility does exist but there's nothing in the episode to suggest it (unless it gets mentioned later) and I would have thought that removing those memories would provide an opportunity for an investigator to identify their false testimony. Given the Federation's apparent ruthlessness, I can well believe that they would have no issue with leaving 3 children (probably poor/lower class) with horrific memories just to ensure an airtight case.

But we still don't know if the system is structurally rigged, or this is just a conspiracy involving a few corrupt public agents.

That's a good point and may make more sense. But if that's the case then it seems clear that those "few corrupt public agents" are operating at the highest levels of government.

The problem is this: Why does the resistance fight the empire? Because the empire does nasty things to the resistance and collaborators. And why does the empire do nasty things to the resistance and collaborators? Because the resistance is constantly attacking them! So methinks if either the empire stopped doing nasty things or the resistance stopped resisting, all would be fine.

It seemed to me that the idea was that some of the outer worlds are trying to secede from the Federation and become independent, while the Federation wants them to remain part of the Union. If that's the case its not unlike the US Civil War where both sides had what they believed to be good reasons for their positions, resulting in a war to keep the Union together or separate it (depending on which side you were on). So in that analogy, the rebels are the Confederates (but without the issue of slavery making one side seem right or wrong). It will be interesting to see how that theme develops over the series.

Initially I remember being shocked at Varon and Maja's casual deaths at the end.

I was surprised by that too. I knew they wouldn't succeed in getting Blake released, but I thought they'd hang around for an episode or too trying to prove the conspiracy before being disposed of. But without any warning they were gone.

So that's my initial thoughts. Overall I enjoyed it and would give it an 8 out of 10.

 

[Mad-Pac]

It seemed to me that the idea was that some of the outer worlds are trying to secede from the Federation and become independent, while the Federation wants them to remain part of the Union. If that's the case its not unlike the US Civil War where both sides had what they believed to be good reasons for their positions, resulting in a war to keep the Union together or separate it (depending on which side you were on). So in that analogy, the rebels are the Confederates (but without the issue of slavery making one side seem right or wrong). It will be interesting to see how that theme develops over the series.

I've heard the same reasoning about Firefly. In fact I've always seen them as Confederates. Unions never see seceding movements kindly whether it's a tyranny or a so-called democracy. A recent case that exemplifies that is the attempt of Catalonia to declare independence from Spain. Madrid was not amused. Other "interesting" cases have happened in what used to be the Soviet Union, with Georgia dealing with the Ossetian insurgents and Russia sending tanks to Chechnya.

But all that is still theory, because we can't get to any of these conclusions based on what we've seen in the first episode, and I'd rather find that out as viewers originally did, as the information is naturally unfolded in the show.

As for the slavery issue, history always passes judgment, especially on the losers, so it's not unusual that the losers are seen as morally wrong. This reminds me of Roman history in which we learn about the ancient Carthaginians as the most depraved and degenerate bunch you could imagine! According to Romans.

From what I know, slavery in mid 19th century was still a thing in different parts of the world. The real problem I think is that the South defended an antiquated economic system, while the North was getting industrialized much more quickly and needed salary-earning workers in their factories. The Southern model was stuck in the 19th century, while the Northern way was aiming at the vibrant 20th century that would begin in a few decades, and which made the United States a huge economic and industrial power. Now imagine trying to achieve that with a significant part of the economy dedicated to slave-driven plantation farms... But what matters now is that Lincoln, a.k.a. Honest Abe, a very good and wise (sagely) man who entered history as the hero who freed the slaves.

So... Back to Blake's 7, if a planet or planets did attempt to get independence, I'd like to see the reasons behind that besides the simplistic "we want to be free and independent" excuse. Sometimes getting independent is the first step towards real greatness. But other times it's the stupidest mistake a community can make and which only serves to line the pockets of the local political elite.

 

[ant-mac]

Sure, but as I said, a couple of days after the episode thread is created the entire conversation will probably not be as relevant. In many cases a late publication might go unnoticed, as people tend to move on to their personal affairs and only come back to the site when it's time for the following episode.

And as I said, however you wish to organize your time, or at whatever stage you wish to participate, the point is you still have up to a week if you should need it. It's up to each individual to for themselves as to how to approach each week's view and review timetable.

Well, I can't know if there are even more rebels besidesbthe ones we've seen. For all I know the Federation could've crushed the entire resistance right there.

As that particular plot-point was shown to be an important central issue throughout the pilot episode, that would be a rather illogical conclusion to reach. Besides, you can and do know that's not the end of the rebellion. Whether you watch it on TV, DVD, the internet or read the novelizations, that much information - and often a bit more - is provided to set the basic scene for the reader or the viewer without providing any major spoilers.

Why I think the Federation us evil and the rebels are virtuous? I don't really think that. After all, a couple of rebels eventhreatened to frame Blake if he didn't go along. So that's not what virtuous people would do.

Exactly.

B7 is not black and white. It's more shades of grey - with streaks of black.

But *in comparison* to the Federation, the writers want us to think the rebels are saints! Because, come on, brain-washing kids to make them believe they were molested by the man the Federation wants to incriminate, come on, that's a new low.

Watch on...

You'll soon learn the fallacy of that type of thinking.

And there are other details: the Federation guards all wear black, which makes them sinister. The rebels are friendly, polite, show good English manners, we can see their faces (whereas the Federation guards hide behind masks, dehumanizing them and erasing their individuality), the rebels have names, while the guards don't, Blake is a nice guy, and the Federation does nasty things to him, and killed several unarmed rebels. The rebels would have to be really really rotten to come close to what the Federation did.

It's true that the Federation guards don't look like baby-sitters, but then they're not meant to. Many uniforms - factual or fictional - are black. It's a highly practical colour for a multi-purpose uniform. Of course in the STAR WARS, the storm troopers mostly wear white - and they still look sinister.

As for rotten rebels... keep watching.

Yes, pronunciation in 1960s and 1970s shows used to be pretty accessible. Now characters are made to sound more streetwise, So it could be more difficult to understand them. I remember Life on Mars was a show I never got 100%. I have little experience with Australian. As for French, as long as it's not Quebequois or Algerian, I'm OK.

Yes, clear, concise communication is not as common as it once was.

By the way, monarchy existed 1000 years ago, even 2000 years for that matter, so it's perfectly reasonable to assume it'll last as an institution yet another 1000.

I was not referring to a factual history, I was referring to a fictional future within a specific fictional universe.

In any case, I was not speaking in absolutes, which is why I said...

And I doubt the monarchy still exists by that point in time.

I'm finger typing on my cell. I thought my reply had disappeared so I rewrote it. But now I see, there it is!

No worries.

I decided to bring it all together in one post, so you could find all my responses in one place.

A sort of one-stop post.

 

[Mad-Pac]

As that particular plot-point was shown to be an important central issue throughout the pilot episode, that would be a rather illogical conclusion to reach. Besides, you can and do know that's not the end of the rebellion.

I'm basing my observations on what is shown in the episode. For all we know, maybe that's the end of the resistance. maybe Blake will start a new resistance now or years later. Maybe Blake dies and the guy from your avatar takes over years later. Several things make sense.

Whether you watch it on TV, DVD, the internet or read the novelizations, that much information - and often a bit more - is provided to set the basic scene for the reader or the viewer without providing any major spoilers.

I'm sure newcomers will appreciate the least spoilers as possible. This is why I try to avoid news articles, commentary or trailers precisely because with the intent to advertise producers often say too much, releasing key elements of the plot. I hope the thread of each episode will be spoiler free from anything shown after said episode. There's no reason to speak of future events here, as you can start a new thread and post all the spoilers you want there.

Watch on...

You'll soon learn the fallacy of that type of thinking.

Once again I ask you not to infer what will happen later. I'd much rather learn that the rebels are bad watching the show, not because someone told me as you just did.

I was not referring to a factual history, I was referring to a fictional future within a specific fictional universe.

In any case, I was not speaking in absolutes, which is why I said...

Oh, you are saying that in the Blake's 7 universe logic monarchy would be unlikely? So, that's another spoiler then? Great. I'm sure you understand that watching the show with other traditional fans is quite a different thing from watching it with people who don't know the first thing about the show and would like to enjoy it the same way you did when you watched it and equally knew nothing about it.

No worries.

I decided to bring it all together in one post, so you could find all my responses in one place.

A sort of one-stop post.

I realized then that posting several little posts each with a reply for one comment in a series of threads was not the best approach and I avoid that whenever I can, but in that case it was inevitable because of the cell phone thing. But when I use my desktop computer, as I'm doing now, I'll post all comments in the same thread. I believe that's the most user-friendly method.

 

[ant-mac]

I'm basing my observations on what is shown in the episode. For all we know, maybe that's the end of the resistance. maybe Blake will start a new resistance now or years later. Maybe Blake dies and the guy from your avatar takes over years later. Several things make sense.

Some things make more sense than others.

I'm sure newcomers will appreciate the least spoilers as possible. This is why I try to avoid news articles, commentary or trailers precisely because with the intent to advertise producers often say too much, releasing key elements of the plot. I hope the thread of each episode will be spoiler free from anything shown after said episode. There's no reason to speak of future events here, as you can start a new thread and post all the spoilers you want there.

When it comes to spoilers, I expect everyone has their own personal opinion or perspective on the matter.

Personally, I've always liked them. I find they add to my enjoyment.

However, each to their own.

Once again I ask you not to infer what will happen later. I'd much rather learn that the rebels are bad watching the show, not because someone told me as you just did.

I just pointed out the fallacy of thinking in absolutes.

Oh, you are saying that in the Blake's 7 universe logic monarchy would be unlikely? So, that's another spoiler then? Great. I'm sure you understand that watching the show with other traditional fans is quite a different thing from watching it with people who don't know the first thing about the show and would like to enjoy it the same way you did when you watched it and equally knew nothing about it.

And what spoiler would that be?

I said...

And I doubt the monarchy still exists by that point in time.

That's an opinion, not a spoiler.

And like you, I based my opinion on what was shown in the episode.

Just out of curiosity, do you often suffer from sprains or strains?

I realized then that posting several little posts each with a reply for one comment in a series of threads was not the best approach and I avoid that whenever I can, but in that case it was inevitable because of the cell phone thing. But when I use my desktop computer, as I'm doing now, I'll post all comments in the same thread. I believe that's the most user-friendly method.

No worries.

 

[Mad-Pac]

Some things make more sense than others.

You're completely right about this. Some TV writers are brilliant and others seem to be morons. I've seen them all. So, we have no way of knowing that in advance.

When it comes to spoilers, I expect everyone has their own personal opinion or perspective on the matter.

Personally, I've always liked them. I find they add to my enjoyment.

However, each to their own.

I think a reader is meant to be exposed to a book or movie as the work of art unfolds. I understand that nowadays it seems to make sense for trailers to give away the main twists of a movie, or in case of a movie, all the best jokes. But that really hurts my enjoyment of the movie or show. So, if you']re in doubt, I advise you to err on the side of caution. the new viewers will appreciate it, I'm sure.

I just pointed out the fallacy of thinking in absolutes.

That's the thing of fiction. Both possibilities happen in fiction writing. Some stories are about black and white good versus evil, while others are about shades of grey. Discovering which is which, so we can make up our own minds which one the show is instead of having someone giving their interpretation to us to begin with is one of the aspects of the fun of watching something.

And what spoiler would that be?

I said...

the information monarchy is unlikely in this future timeline.

That's an opinion, not a spoiler.

And like you, I based my opinion on what was shown in the episode.

Just out of curiosity, do you often suffer from sprains or strains?

If your opinion is based on information show after the pilot, then it's not just opinion, but information as well. And in my opinion, nothing shown in the pilot gives any indication of either way, except for the fact there is a "Federation." But the "Federation" could be at war with an "Empire" for all we know, or have a tense relationship with it. We'll learn that eventually.

And like you, I based my opinion on what was shown in the episode.

Just out of curiosity, do you often suffer from sprains or strains?

Well, if it's based on the episode there's no problem there. Personally I thought that there's so much the pilot doesn't say that many scenarios are still possible, even if not probably.

Sorry, I don't understand what you mean by strains and sprains.

 

[ant-mac]

You're completely right about this. Some TV writers are brilliant and others seem to be morons. I've seen them all. So, we have no way of knowing that in advance.

I think a reader is meant to be exposed to a book or movie as the work of art unfolds. I understand that nowadays it seems to make sense for trailers to give away the main twists of a movie, or in case of a movie, all the best jokes. But that really hurts my enjoyment of the movie or show. So, if you']re in doubt, I advise you to err on the side of caution. the new viewers will appreciate it, I'm sure.

That's the thing of fiction. Both possibilities happen in fiction writing. Some stories are about black and white good versus evil, while others are about shades of grey. Discovering which is which, so we can make up our own minds which one the show is instead of having someone giving their interpretation to us to begin with is one of the aspects of the fun of watching something.

the information monarchy is unlikely in this future timeline.

If your opinion is based on information show after the pilot, then it's not just opinion, but information as well. And in my opinion, nothing shown in the pilot gives any indication of either way, except for the fact there is a "Federation." But the "Federation" could be at war with an "Empire" for all we know, or have a tense relationship with it. We'll learn that eventually.


Well, if it's based on the episode there's no problem there. Personally I thought that there's so much the pilot doesn't say that many scenarios are still possible, even if not probably.

Sorry, I don't understand what you mean by strains and sprains.

My comment that I doubt a monarchy is likely by that point in time was not information, it was an opinion.

That is why I said I doubted. There was no certainty, because it was not information. I made that perfectly clear to anyone with reasonable powers of reading and comprehension.

And as I've previously said, it was based upon my viewing of the pilot episode. I also made that perfectly clear to anyone with reasonable powers of reading and comprehension.

My comment about sprains and strains refers to your habit of jumping to conclusions.

 

[Doctor Omega]

Just a word on the acting.

I think that Gareth is certainly well chosen in the role of Blake and definitely has screen presence.

His portrayal of a man awakening from a drug-induced dream into a paranoid nightmare is really well-played in my opinion.

As a point of trivia, he - the actor - almost immediately ran into trouble with the BBC at the time, as he referred to Blake's 7 in an interview as being like "farce", which the Beeb took as a criticism and rapped his knuckles for it. He explained what he meant in a follow up interview by saying that, like farce, Blake's 7 had "a heightened sense of reality". He wasn't being critical.

All of the rest of the cast do well...

As to who the final "seven" will be remains to be seen...


As to the episode...

A good start, setting up the series at a sensible pace, although maybe just a little ponderous here and there?

RATING: 4 out of 5

 

[Mad-Pac]

And as I've previously said, it was based upon my viewing of the pilot episode. I also made that perfectly clear to anyone with reasonable powers of reading and comprehension.

Well, perhaps I don't have those...

My comment about sprains and strains refers to your habit of jumping to conclusions.

Oh, that... You were being facetious. I get it.

 

[Cloister56]

Tel Varon seemed like a real sap, not knowing anything about his superiors. I find it hard to believe he’s never had a questionable case before.

That did get me thinking. Tel seems confident that with enough evidence it will "blow the lid of the whole thing". That would seem to suggest that he at least believes there is justice to be found and that the whole system isn't corrupt.
It isn't clear at this point as Mad-Pac says if this is a truly evil regime to its core or a few people abusing power. If it is the second then Tel's reaction seems realistic. If it is the first is he naive or have things gotten much worse quite recently.

It makes me think about how in Star Wars, Grand Moff Tarkin mentions that the Emperor has disbanded the senate, prompting one of the officers present to question how control will be maintained without the bureaucracy. A government can get away with a lot of evil if it citizens believe the facade that democracy is in place and their elected leaders are working on their behalf. I wonder where the Federation is on this spectrum.

 

[Mad-Pac]

Come on, Mad-Pac! Keep up!

Yep, I better! Well, that's one of the good things about getting so immersed in communities of a foreign language and culture as I'm doing, despite the inevitable risk of cultural shock. Even when the temperature gets inconveniently high it's always a good experience to learn how the subtleties of verbal communication work. I'll try and keep that "strains and sprains" whatever in mind in the future.

 

[Doctor Omega]

Yep, I better! Well, that's one of the good things about getting so immersed in communities of a foreign language and culture as I'm doing, despite the inevitable risk of cultural shock. Even when the temperature gets inconveniently high it's always a good experience to learn how the subtleties of verbal communication work. I'll try and keep that "strains and sprains" whatever in mind in the future.

As Yoda would say.... "FACE ANT-MAC YOU MUST!"

Don't end up like Luke Skywalker at the end of Empire! Stay on your toes, buddy! Or you'll be typing your reviews with only one hand!

Metaphorically, that is!

 

[ant-mac]

Well, perhaps I don't have those...

Shame.

Oh, that... You were being facetious. I get it.

Okay.

 

[The Seeker]

That did get me thinking. Tel seems confident that with enough evidence it will "blow the lid of the whole thing". That would seem to suggest that he at least believes there is justice to be found and that the whole system isn't corrupt.
It isn't clear at this point as Mad-Pac says if this is a truly evil regime to its core or a few people abusing power. If it is the second then Tel's reaction seems realistic. If it is the first is he naive or have things gotten much worse quite recently.

At this point it’s impossible to know. But I think he’s naive, because he never thought the fellow with all the information would rat him out. That points to a more systematic type of repression.

 

[Gavin]

Some TV writers are brilliant and others seem to be morons.

There are also some who just think their audience are morons.