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Post by UncleDeadly on Apr 19, 2022 9:35:16 GMT
I like The Web a lot, one of my fave episodes in Series 1. For me it marked the point where Blakes7 could outclass Doctor Who in horror and weirdness(Doctor Who was starting to show definite signs of being muted by Mary Whitehouse by that stage) I like the aliens in it too, they remind me of baby Zygons before their suckers have hatched and theres some quality eye-acting going on within those suits in some scenes. Yeah, The Web is wonderfully surreal and strange in a way that Doctor Who largely wouldn't be again until Season 18 and the Decimas are oddly affecting. The story also plays with science versus ethics concepts and colonialism and neatly parallels the Decimas' fight for freedom with Blake's own, providing Avon with a nice opportunity for a signature dig.
As fascinating as episodes like this are, i suppose one can see how Gareth Thomas felt that he'd been cheated after, presumably, signing on for a dystopian science-fiction drama on the strength of the first couple of episodes and then finding the series taking a left-turn into surreal fantasy. On the other hand, two of my favourite episodes from the second season, "Killer" and "Countdown" see the human drama element very much brought to the fore, so his decision to leave at this point seems a little odd.
Personally, i think that there was more than enough room for both kinds of storytelling in the series' format and, actually, more adventures like this one wouldn't have gone amiss. I can't help but think that that's exactly what Terry Nation had in mind originally.
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Post by RobFilth on Apr 19, 2022 10:04:39 GMT
Was it ever explained in the series why Tarrant nicks all of his clothes and haircut from Blakes wardrobe?
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Post by rushy on Apr 19, 2022 10:10:29 GMT
As fascinating as episodes like this are, i suppose one can see how Gareth Thomas felt that he'd been cheated after, presumably, signing on for a dystopian science-fiction drama on the strength of the first couple of episodes and then finding the series taking a left-turn into surreal fantasy. On the other hand, two of my favourite episodes from the second season, "Killer" and "Countdown" see the human drama element very much brought to the fore, so his decision to leave at this point seems a little odd. From what I gather, Gareth wasn't opposed to fantasy elements being included so much as the softening of the overall tone. Series A maintained a very real, grounded approach even in the wildest episodes (like "Duel"). Series B was more theatrical, I think ("Shadow", "Weapon", "Voice from the Past", "Gambit"). The costuming, set design and storylines veered more towards camp. God only knows what he would have made of "The Harvest of Kairos"... |
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Post by RobFilth on Apr 19, 2022 11:36:16 GMT
I reckon Gareth Thomas left because they wouldn't let him wear his Farahs anymore.
"Bugger you boyo, I don't want to wear this camp shite you keep chucking at me, give me my bluddy Farahs back!"
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Post by rushy on Apr 19, 2022 23:23:25 GMT
If you mean the anoraks, then yes, I did miss them myself lmao
Paul got to wear his in "Star One" for whatever reason
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Post by RobFilth on Apr 20, 2022 5:20:39 GMT
If you mean the anoraks, then yes, I did miss them myself lmao Paul got to wear his in "Star One" for whatever reason Nah, Farah's are the contemporary trendy trousers which Gareth often wore on the programme, they were very popular with a lot of football Casuals and soulheads, but look as unachronistic in a futuristic sci-fi as a burberry cap or kappawear would. |
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Post by rushy on Apr 20, 2022 6:43:31 GMT
I'll be paying special attention to everyone's pants on my next watchthrough then!
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Post by UncleDeadly on Apr 20, 2022 8:51:10 GMT
Was it ever explained in the series why Tarrant nicks all of his clothes and haircut from Blakes wardrobe? Cosplaying..? Hopefully Tarrant doesn't become a "self-loathing fanboy", otherwise it'll be "The Federation isn't the problem. How people use and exploit the Federation - that's the problem." before you know it... |
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Post by UncleDeadly on Apr 20, 2022 8:54:20 GMT
As fascinating as episodes like this are, i suppose one can see how Gareth Thomas felt that he'd been cheated after, presumably, signing on for a dystopian science-fiction drama on the strength of the first couple of episodes and then finding the series taking a left-turn into surreal fantasy. On the other hand, two of my favourite episodes from the second season, "Killer" and "Countdown" see the human drama element very much brought to the fore, so his decision to leave at this point seems a little odd. From what I gather, Gareth wasn't opposed to fantasy elements being included so much as the softening of the overall tone. Series A maintained a very real, grounded approach even in the wildest episodes (like "Duel"). Series B was more theatrical, I think ("Shadow", "Weapon", "Voice from the Past", "Gambit"). The costuming, set design and storylines veered more towards camp. God only knows what he would have made of "The Harvest of Kairos"... Ah right, that makes things a little clearer. Yeah, i can't say i immediately took to Gambit, myself. It's hard to imagine Stephen Greif's Travis swanning around Freedom City in a cape and floppy hat... |
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Post by UncleDeadly on Apr 20, 2022 9:05:51 GMT
I reckon Gareth Thomas left because they wouldn't let him wear his Farahs anymore. "Bugger you boyo, I don't want to wear this camp shite you keep chucking at me, give me my bluddy Farahs back!" Oh well. that's the real reason then, isn't it? "It's the wrong trousers, Orac! And they've gone wrong..!"
"As far as i'm concerned, they were never right..."
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Post by UncleDeadly on Apr 20, 2022 9:10:13 GMT
I'll be paying special attention to everyone's pants on my next watchthrough then!  |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 20, 2022 13:35:35 GMT
I'm on constant Butt watch when I watch Blake's 7. As well as pay attention to the storylines, I also try and find the tastiest, most spankable booties in the series. Soolin's is second on the list behind Sabina Franklyn's jelly cakes from Moloch.
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Post by rushy on Apr 20, 2022 16:22:34 GMT
Fun fact - Doctor Who's own Barry Letts wrote two Blake's 7 audios in the 1990s. Because of legal issues, they remain the only Blake's 7 audios set during the final season.
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Post by burrunjor on Apr 27, 2022 18:50:14 GMT
Going to meet Emeli Sande in May. She is coming to my city to do a signing. Can't tell you how thrilled I am. If I am allowed a selfie with her I'll post it LOL.
She has already replied to me a few times on insta that is quite cool, but actually getting her autograph will be really cool.
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Post by rushy on Apr 27, 2022 20:30:18 GMT
I saw Clannad on their farewell tour a few nights ago, they were delightful
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