McFarland & Company (series)

The History And Critical Analysis of "Blake's 7," The 1978 to 1981 British Television Space Adventure

by John Kenneth Muir

Description by OLDIES.com:

"Blake's 7," Terry Nation's science fiction tale of cosmic freedom fighters, became a hit series in Great Britain when it premiered in 1978. Eight years later, the show quickly became a cult program in America. A dramatization of futuristic outlaw heroes who defend the innocent from both alien and human conquering forces, the series might better be said to be equal parts "Robin Hood" and "The Magnificent Seven." The series defied traditional genre elements of science fiction television, and developed the concept of the continual "story arc" years before such shows as "Babylon 5" and "Deep Space Nine."

This book provides a critical history and episode guide for "Blake's 7," including commentaries for all 52 episodes. Also included are analytical essays on the show, dealing with such topics as themes, imagery and story arc; a consideration of the series as a futuristic Robin Hood myth; cinematography and visual effects; and an overview of "Blake's 7" in books, comics and videos. A detailed appendix lists the genre conventions found in the series. The author also includes information about "Blake's 7" fan clubs and Internet sites.