Watch Blake's 7

Blake's 7 is a classic British science fiction television series that first aired from 1978 to 1981. The show follows a group of rebels, led by the charismatic Roj Blake, as they fight against the oppressive Terran Federation that rules over the galaxy. The series begins with Blake being arrested by the Federation, framed for a crime he did not commit and sent to a penal colony. There he meets fellow prisoners Jenna Stannis and Vila Restal, and they all escape together on a stolen spaceship, the Liberator. While on the run, they encounter Avon, an enigmatic computer expert, and Gan, a strong and quiet fighter. Together they form a band of freedom fighters and begin a quest to overthrow the tyrannical Federation.

The crew of the Liberator is made up of a diverse group of individuals, each with their own unique skills and strengths. Roj Blake is the charismatic leader of the group, passionate about the cause of freedom and willing to take risks to achieve it. Jenna Stannis is a skilled pilot and smuggler, essential to the crew's ability to evade pursuit by the Federation. Vila Restal is a cowardly thief, but his skills at cracking security systems are vital to the crew's operations. Avon is a brilliant computer expert, often at odds with Blake but always working towards the same goal. Gan is a fierce fighter, but cursed with an implant that inhibits his ability to truly unleash his strength.

The Liberator itself is a unique and powerful ship, with advanced technology far beyond anything the Federation possesses. It is piloted by Zen, an artificial intelligence capable of controlling the ship's many systems. Zen is voiced by Peter Tuddenham, who also voices another key character in the show, Orac, a supercomputer created by a brilliant scientist that possesses vast knowledge and abilities.

As the series progresses, the crew of the Liberator encounters many challenges and obstacles. They must evade the pursuing Federation and its agents, but they also encounter other dangers, from ruthless space pirates to mysterious alien artifacts. Along the way, they also gain allies, such as Cally, a telepathic alien who becomes a valuable member of the crew.

Throughout the series, the characters of Blake's 7 face many difficult choices and conflicts. Roj Blake is often torn between his desire for revenge against the Federation and his belief in justice and freedom. Avon is a more cynical and pragmatic character, often questioning Blake's leadership and motives. The other characters also face their own struggles, from Vila's fear to Gan's implanted violence inhibitor.

The production values of Blake's 7 are impressive, particularly for a television series from the late 70s and early 80s. The special effects and costumes may seem dated by modern standards, but they were groundbreaking for their time. The series also offers many creative and imaginative locations and set pieces, from abandoned space stations to planet-sized computers.

Overall, Blake's 7 is a classic science fiction series that has endured for over four decades. It offers exciting action and adventure, complex characters and storylines, and a thought-provoking exploration of themes such as freedom, rebellion, and morality. Its legacy can be seen in many other works of science fiction, and it remains a beloved cult classic among fans of the genre.

Blake's 7 is a series that ran for 4 seasons (52 episodes) between and on BritBox