“Blake’s 7 : Series One” (1978) 

Television Series Sci-Fi

Thirteen Episodes

Created by: Terry Nation

Featuring: Gareth Thomas, Michael Keating, Sally Knyvette, Paul Darrow, David Jackson, Peter Tuddenham, Jan Chappell, Jacqueline Pearce and Stephen Greif

Vila Restal: [about Jenna] “She’s a big name. It’s an honor to be locked up with her.”

Blake’s 7, created by Terry Nation, debuted in 1978 as a dystopian British sci-fi series that quickly carved out a distinct niche within the genre. Unlike the optimistic futurism of Star Trek or the space opera grandeur of Star Wars, Blake’s 7presents a grim, morally ambiguous universe dominated by the oppressive Terran Federation. Season One lays the foundation for this universe with a compelling mix of political intrigue, character-driven drama, and bleak futurism.

The season begins with The Way Back, an explosive pilot that sets the tone for the series. Roj Blake, portrayed with stoic gravitas by Gareth Thomas, is introduced as a disillusioned citizen manipulated into forgetting his past as a resistance leader. The Terran Federation’s authoritarian control is chillingly depicted, employing psychological conditioning and brutal suppression to maintain power. Blake’s wrongful conviction and subsequent transportation to a penal colony serve as the catalyst for assembling his ragtag crew of rebels.

Blake’s allies—the cynical computer genius Kerr Avon (Paul Darrow), the thief Vila Restal (Michael Keating), the empathic Cally (Jan Chappell), the loyal Jenna Stannis (Sally Knyvette), and the enigmatic Zen, the ship’s AI—form an ensemble brimming with tension and contrasting motivations. Their ship, the Liberator, is an advanced alien vessel, symbolizing both their escape from tyranny and the moral complexities of wielding superior power.

Season One delves into themes of rebellion, authoritarianism, and the corruptibility of power. The Federation is a faceless, bureaucratic villain, but its agents, like the ruthless Servalan (Jacqueline Pearce) and her henchman Travis (Stephen Greif), add a personal, menacing touch. The show’s moral landscape is deliberately murky; Blake’s idealism often clashes with Avon’s pragmatism, raising questions about the cost of freedom and the ethics of resistance.

Unlike many contemporaries, Blake’s 7 embraces a stark, almost nihilistic tone. Victories are often pyrrhic, alliances fragile, and characters deeply flawed. This realism extends to the series’ aesthetic—budget constraints result in minimalist sets and rudimentary special effects, yet these limitations inadvertently enhance the show’s gritty, utilitarian atmosphere.

The heart of Season One lies in its character dynamics. Blake and Avon represent ideological opposites: Blake’s unwavering belief in the cause versus Avon’s self-serving cynicism. Their uneasy alliance drives much of the tension and philosophical debate within the crew. Vila provides comic relief without undermining the show’s gravitas, while Jenna and Cally offer perspectives often underrepresented in sci-fi of the era—strong, complex female characters integral to the plot.

Key episodes like Project Avalon, Breakdown, and Orac showcase the show’s strengths. Project Avalon highlights the Federation’s brutal efficiency, Breakdown delves into Gan’s (David Jackson) struggle with his behavioral limiter, and Oracintroduces the titular supercomputer, setting the stage for future storylines. The season finale, Orac, ends on a cliffhanger, underscoring the show’s willingness to subvert expectations.

While Season One is compelling, it’s not without flaws. Pacing can be uneven, with some episodes feeling padded to meet runtime. Special effects, while charmingly retro, may deter modern viewers accustomed to high-budget visuals. Additionally, character development occasionally takes a backseat to episodic plots, leaving certain arcs underexplored.

Despite these shortcomings, Blake’s 7 Season One remains a landmark in British science fiction. Its influence is evident in later works that explore morally complex heroes and dystopian futures. The series’ willingness to challenge genre conventions, coupled with strong performances and thought-provoking narratives, ensures its enduring appeal.

Season One of Blake’s 7 is a bold, uncompromising introduction to a universe where heroism is fraught with moral ambiguity, and victory often comes at a cost. Its gritty realism, complex characters, and subversive storytelling continue to resonate, making it a must-watch for fans of intelligent, character-driven sci-fi.

Special Features

• UPDATED SPECIAL EFFECTS On all thirteen episodes
• ARCHIVAL DOCUMENTARY The previously unreleased Making Of Blake’s 7, featuring extensive interviews with cast and crew
• NEW FEATURE-LENGTH DOCUMENTARY A new look back at the making of the first series
• IN CONVERSATION Matthew Sweet interviews actor Sally Knyvette
  STEPHEN GREIF TRIBUTE A look at the life and career of the first incarnation of Travis
• RARE CONVENTION FOOTAGE Previously unreleased panels with the cast and crew
• ARCHIVE TREATS BBC continuity, TV coverage and music from the Blake’s 7 vinyl record
• HD PHOTO GALLERIES With previously unseen images
• DVD CONTENT Featurettes, audio commentaries and more
• WRITTEN ARCHIVE Production paperwork, scripts, studio floorplans and much more, available for the first time