Ep 2. Powerplay

Blake's 7 is a British science fiction television series that aired from 1978 to 1981. The show is set in the distant future, where a group of rebels fight against a totalitarian government known as the Federation. The rebel crew, led by the charismatic and unpredictable Roj Blake, is always trying to stay one step ahead of the Federation and their nefarious plans to crush the rebellion.

Season 3 episode 2, titled "Powerplay," finds the crew of the Liberator in a precarious situation. They have recently acquired a new crew member, a former Federation officer named Tarrant, who has proven to be more trouble than he's worth. Tarrant is constantly arguing with Blake and the rest of the crew, even going so far as to undermine their plans and make deals with the enemy.

As the episode opens, the Liberator is being pursued by a Federation pursuit ship, and the crew is desperately trying to evade capture. Blake and Avon are bickering as usual, but when Tarrant suggests a plan to take over the enemy ship, Blake decides to give it a shot. The plan is risky, but if it works, it could give the rebels a significant advantage.

Once aboard the enemy ship, the crew realizes that things are not as straightforward as they thought. The ship's captain, a ruthless Federation officer named Pella (played by the iconic British actress Jacqueline Pearce), has her own agenda, and she sees an opportunity to gain power and prestige by taking control of the Liberator and delivering the rebels to the Federation. Pella is cunning and manipulative, and she knows just how to play Tarrant against Blake and the others.

As the power struggle on the enemy ship intensifies, the crew of the Liberator must also contend with other threats. Vila, the ship's resident thief, is captured and taken to a nearby planet, where he must use all his wits to stay alive. Meanwhile, on the Liberator, Zen, the ship's computer, is acting strangely, causing concern among the crew.

The tension in "Powerplay" is palpable, as each character is forced to confront their own limitations and vulnerabilities. Blake is struggling to maintain his authority over the crew, while Avon is dealing with his own demons. Tarrant's loyalties are constantly in question, and the other members of the crew are trying to figure out who they can trust.

Despite the many obstacles they face, the rebels remain determined to overthrow the Federation and restore freedom to the galaxy. "Powerplay" is an exciting and suspenseful installment in the series, showcasing the complex relationships and high stakes that make Blake's 7 such a compelling show.