Ep 3. Cygnus Alpha

On the third episode of Blake's 7 season 1, entitled "Cygnus Alpha," the rebellious crew of the Liberator, led by the charismatic Blake, find themselves in a desperate situation. Pursued by a Federation pursuit ship, the crew is forced to make a dangerous jump through a black hole, hoping to elude their pursuers and find a safe haven.

Their destination is the prison planet Cygnus Alpha, where they hope to find a new source of power for their ship, as well as possible allies for their struggle against the tyrannical Federation. But the planet is not what they expected - it's a harsh, barren wasteland, ruled by a religious cult that worships an alien being known as "the Black Guardian."

The crew is captured by the cultists and brought before their leader, a ruthless woman named Vargas. Vargas demands that the crew swear allegiance to the Black Guardian, or face a gruesome death. But Blake and his crew refuse to bow down to anyone, let alone a mythical deity.

The crew discovers that the planet is also home to a group of exiled prisoners, who live in a makeshift colony on the other side of the planet. These exiles are more than willing to help the crew, as long as they can ensure their own safety. Together, the two groups plan a daring escape from Cygnus Alpha, all while evading the clutches of Vargas and her minions.

Amidst all of this, there are also personal conflicts and tensions among the crew. Avon, the brilliant but aloof technician, is reluctant to put his life on the line for the sake of the group, while Jenna, the tough and resourceful pilot, is skeptical of Blake's idealistic visions. But as they embark on this dangerous mission together, the crew begins to realize that they may be stronger together than they ever were apart.

Filled with action, drama, and high-stakes tension, "Cygnus Alpha" is a thrilling entry in the first season of Blake's 7. With its blend of science fiction spectacle and character-driven storytelling, it's the perfect showcase for one of the most innovative and exciting TV shows of the 1970s.