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

by John Kenneth Muir

Library Binding (November 1999)
McFarland & Company; ISBN: 0786406003

Book Description

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. About the Author

John Kenneth Muir has written several science fiction reference guides, including Exploring "Space: 1999" (1997), and An Analytical Guide to Television's "Battlestar Galactica" (1999). He is an avid collector of science fiction-related toys and an amateur filmmaker. He lives in Charlotte, North Carolina.

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