A History and Critical Analysis of Blake’s 7, the 1978–1981 British Television Space Adventure

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.

John Kenneth Muir is an American literary critic and award-winning author. As of 2022, he has written 30 reference books in the fields of film and television, with a particular focus on the horror and science fiction genres.

John Kenneth Muir
Format: softcover (6 x 9)
Pages: 223
Bibliographic Info: 9 photos, appendix, notes, bibliography, index
Copyright Date: 2006 [2000]
pISBN: 978-0-7864-2660-7
eISBN: 978-1-4766-0493-0
Imprint: McFarland

Introduction      1

Part I: Origins and History      5

Part II: The Series      25

Season Overview, Series A (1978)      26

Season Overview, Series B (1979)      72

Season Overview, Series C (1980)      100

Cast and Credits      103

Season Overview, Series D (1981)      131

Part III: Blake’s Millions      165

Part IV: Essays      171

Part V: Epilogue: “A Dream Worth Having…”      191

Appendix: Genre Conventions in Blake’s 7      195

Notes      197

Videography      203

Bibliography      201

Index      205

“details the program from inception through to cancellation. Muir provides the reader with all the requisite cast, credit, and episode details, as well as synopsis and in-depth analysis…very well indexed, and detailed bibliography and videography”—Booklist; “detailed…Mr. Muir’s book, like the distant universe it describes, glows brightly”—Film & History; “a useful guide…[provides] a detailed and impressive episode guide”—Zealot; “gives very full credits and episode synopses”—Interzone.