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A:02 Space Fall: Does Blake's Mutiny End in Success?20 Jan 202501:20:50

Teleporting in... welcome to Federation Strike: A Journey Through Blake's 7!

The second episode of Blake's 7, "Space Fall," marks a significant development in the series' narrative arc, diving deeper into the dynamics of its characters and the unfolding plot. The episode picks up immediately after the events of the pilot, "The Way Back," as Blake and his newly formed band of convicts find themselves aboard the prison ship London en route to Cygnus Alpha.

We loved dissecting this episode, highlighting the contrasting personalities within the group, particularly between Blake, Avon, Jenna and the ship's crew, particularly Raiker. There are darker undertones and more action in this second outing to discuss, too, so without further ado - let's dive right in!

We're teleporting out for now! Thanks for listening, and don't forget to follow and subscribe on your preferred podcast app so you never miss an episode.

You can also join the conversation and stay updated by following us on Twitter/X and Bluesky. We'd love to hear your thoughts and theories!

Join us next time as we continue our journey through the universe of Blake’s 7.

A:01 The Way Back: It Begins! Our Journey into Blake's 719 Jan 202501:27:20

Fellow rebels, welcome to Federation Strike: A Journey Through Blake's 7!

The inaugural episode of Federation Strike embarks on an exciting journey through the classic sci-fi series Blake's 7, hosted by Garry and Adam. We dive deep into the first episode, 'The Way Back,' which introduces listeners to the dystopian world dominated by the Federation. We're discussing the strong emotional weight of this opening episode, focusing on the character of Rog Blake, a former resistance leader who awakens from a drug-induced stupor only to find himself framed for crimes he did not commit.

This opening episode highlights the show's darker tones, character development, and the cultural resonance of its storylines, setting the stage for a thrilling exploration of the series ahead.

Adam's long-standing affection for Blake's 7 shines through as he expresses his excitement for Garry’s fresh perspective, having never watched the series before.

We're teleporting out for now! Thanks for listening and don't forget to follow and subscribe on your preferred podcast app so you never miss an episode.

You can also join the conversation and stay updated by following us on Twitter/X and Bluesky, we'd love to hear your thoughts and theories!

Join us next time as we continue our journey through the universe of Blake’s 7.

A:03 Cygnus Alpha: Religion, Control and Brian Blessed Shouting29 Jan 202501:44:30

Teleporting in... welcome to Federation Strike: A Journey Through Blake's 7!

Join us for our review of Episode 3 "Cygnus Alpha." This episode takes a darker turn, exploring themes of control and suppression as Blake and his crew confront a menacing religious group led by the charismatic Vargas, played by the legendary Brian Blessed.

As Blake attempts to rescue prisoners from a harsh penal planet, we witness the tension between him and Avon, who is more interested in riches than rebellion. Jenna's character shines as she navigates the conflict between loyalty to Blake and the temptations presented by Avon.

With a blend of humour and action, "Cygnus Alpha" continues to build on the dynamic character relationships and overarching narrative. Let's touch down on this strange and unexpected planet as we further our journey into Blake's 7.

We're teleporting out for now! Thanks for listening, and don't forget to follow and subscribe on your preferred podcast app so you never miss an episode.

You can also join the conversation and stay updated by following us on Twitter/X and Bluesky. We'd love to hear your thoughts and theories!

Join us next time as we continue our journey through the universe of Blake’s 7.

A:04 Time Squad: Blake's First Strike!05 Feb 202501:10:27

Teleporting in... welcome to Federation Strike: A Journey Through Blake's 7!

Ready to dive into the fourth episode of our Blake's 7 journey and Series A? This week, we're tackling "Time Squad" and Blake making his first strike against the Federation. We’ve got our crew splitting up, with Blake, Avon, and Villa heading to the planet Saurian Major while Jenna and Gan handle some mysterious frozen folks on board an ominous floating capsule.

As we wrap up, we can’t help but wonder how the introduction of Cally will shake things up for the crew in future episodes. Join us as we explore this theme and more!

We're teleporting out for now! Thanks for listening, and don't forget to follow and subscribe on your preferred podcast app so you never miss an episode.

You can also join the conversation and stay updated by following us on Twitter/X and Bluesky. We'd love to hear your thoughts and theories!

Join us next time as we continue our journey through the universe of Blake’s 7.

A:05 The Web: Tangled Trouble for the Crew12 Feb 202501:13:04

Teleporting in... welcome to Federation Strike: A Journey Through Blake's 7!

Our crew finds themselves caught in a sticky situation—literally—when the Liberator becomes ensnared in creepy cosmic webbing. This episode features some wild characters, like the genetically engineered Lost and their quirky little minions, the Decimas. But does the detour from the main story impact the narrative flow through this first series so far?

We're teleporting out for now! Thanks for listening, and don't forget to follow and subscribe on your preferred podcast app so you never miss an episode.

You can also join the conversation and stay updated by following us on Twitter/X and Bluesky. We'd love to hear your thoughts and theories!

Join us next time as we continue our journey through the universe of Blake’s 7.

A:06 Seek-Locate-Destroy: The Federation Brings in the Big Gun19 Feb 202501:22:31

Teleporting in... welcome to Federation Strike: A Journey Through Blake's 7!

This week's review is for "Seek-Locate-Destroy" and one that many Blake's 7 fans have told Garry to look forward to. We get some serious action and tension as Blake and his crew run into old rival Space Commander Travis, who's been given orders to take Blake down. We get to see the Federation's reaction to Blake's antics and how they're plotting against him, which adds a whole new layer to the story. The performances are top-notch, especially from the newcomers Servalan and Travis, who bring a captivating presence to the screen.

Buckle up as we chat about the standout moments, character dynamics, and the overall excitement of this pivotal episode!

We're teleporting out for now! Thanks for listening, and don't forget to follow and subscribe on your preferred podcast app so you never miss an episode.

You can also join the conversation and stay updated by following us on Twitter/X and Bluesky. We'd love to hear your thoughts and theories!

Join us next time as we continue our journey through the universe of Blake’s 7.

A:08: Duel: Blake and Travis Go Head-to-Head!05 Mar 202501:19:00

Teleporting in... welcome to Federation Strike: A Journey Through Blake's 7!

Diving into "Duel," we're exploring the intense showdown between Blake and Travis that takes this episode to another level. While the plot itself is pretty straightforward, it does a great job of highlighting the contrasting natures of our main characters. Blake's protective instincts clash with Travis's ruthless pursuit, showing us that even in the face of danger, there's depth to their motivations.

We also delve into the absence of Dudley Simpson's iconic music, which leaves the episode feeling a bit off for us.

Overall, does this episode move our score meter into the red or does it hold up despite its potential short comings?

We're teleporting out for now! Thanks for listening, and don't forget to follow and subscribe on your preferred podcast app so you never miss an episode.

You can also join the conversation and stay updated by following us on Twitter/X and Bluesky. We'd love to hear your thoughts and theories!

Join us next time as we continue our journey through the universe of Blake’s 7.

A:07 Mission to Destiny: A Good Ol' Who Dunnit26 Feb 202501:08:15

Teleporting in... welcome to Federation Strike: A Journey Through Blake's 7!

A good ol' Cluedo-esque murder mystery awaits us this week as Blake and the crew check out a seemingly quiet freighter, the Omega, with the crew all unconscious. When they awake, however, everything is not as it seems when Blake learns of their valuable cargo, which must be delivered to the planet Destiny before it's too late.

With plenty of suspense and great supporting cast performances, does this one keep up the momentum and intrigue that we've loved through Series A so far? Listen now to find out!

We're teleporting out for now! Thanks for listening, and don't forget to follow and subscribe on your preferred podcast app so you never miss an episode.

You can also join the conversation and stay updated by following us on Twitter/X and Bluesky. We'd love to hear your thoughts and theories!

Join us next time as we continue our journey through the universe of Blake’s 7.

A:09: Project Avalon: More Disappointment for Travis!12 Mar 202501:20:55

Teleporting in... welcome to Federation Strike: A Journey Through Blake's 7!

Project Avalon brings Blake and his crew back into the thick of action against the Federation. In this episode, we dive into a plot full of twists, where Blake's mission to rescue a rebel leader goes awry, leading to some surprises and a bit of espionage. As usual, the performances shine, especially from Gareth Thomas as Blake, who navigates through the chaos with his usual charm and determination.

We also see some classic interactions between Travis and Servalan, which highlight the tension and stakes within the Federation.

Overall, it’s a solid episode filled with clever writing and the right amount of humor to keep things lively.

We're teleporting out for now! Thanks for listening, and don't forget to follow and subscribe on your preferred podcast app so you never miss an episode.

You can also join the conversation and stay updated by following us on Twitter/X and Bluesky. We'd love to hear your thoughts and theories!

Join us next time as we continue our journey through the universe of Blake’s 7.

A:10: Breakdown: Has Gan Reached his Limit?!19 Mar 202501:25:35

Teleporting in... welcome to Federation Strike: A Journey Through Blake's 7!

This week's episode centres on Gan, whose limiter malfunctions, putting him in a precarious situation that requires immediate neurosurgery. It’s a departure from the usual Federation versus Blake narrative, focusing instead on character dynamics and the tensions within the crew.

We break down the performances, particularly Paul Darrow’s Avon (again!), who is as charmingly unpredictable as ever. While some might label this as a slower episode, we find plenty to love in the character moments and the underlying themes.

We're teleporting out for now! Thanks for listening, and don't forget to follow and subscribe on your preferred podcast app so you never miss an episode.

You can also join the conversation and stay updated by following us on Twitter/X and Bluesky. We'd love to hear your thoughts and theories!

Join us next time as we continue our journey through the universe of Blake’s 7.

Welcome to Federation Strike - A Journey Through Blake's 7 - What to Expect18 Mar 202500:02:36

If you’re a die-hard Blake’s 7 fan or just setting foot aboard the Liberator for the first time, Federation Strike is your perfect companion through this cult sci-fi classic. Every week, Garry and Adam take a deep dive into each episode—breaking down the stories, the characters, and even the gloriously wobbly special effects (which, let’s be honest, are half the charm).

We’re tackling the series from Series A, Episode 1 The Way Back through to the show's legendary finale, complete with episode reviews, rankings, and deep-dive discussions. But that’s not all—expect special bonus episodes, including full series retrospectives and exclusive interviews with the masterminds behind the Blake’s 7 Blu-ray box sets.

New episodes drop every week within each season (each of our seasons lines up with the Blake's 7 Blu-Ray sets), so find us on your favourite podcast app and follow @blakes7podcast on Bluesky and X (Twitter).

Whether you’ve sworn allegiance to the Federation or are fighting the system, we’d love to have you along for the journey. The rebellion starts here!

A:11: Bounty: A Stubborn Sarkoff and Has Jenna Betrayed the Crew?26 Mar 202501:07:00

Teleporting in... welcome to Federation Strike: A Journey Through Blake's 7!

It’s a bittersweet moment because we’re almost at the finish line of Series A, and while we're looking forward to seeing how things wrap up, we're also a bit sad to see it go.

Anyway, this week, we’re following Blake and Callie on a mission to rescue President Sarkoff, who’s been kept in a cosy little prison while chaos brews on his home planet of Lindor. But as always, things aren’t straightforward, as there's trouble with bounty hunters looking to cash in on the chaos and could Jenna betray the crew of the Liberator as a result?!

We're teleporting out for now! Thanks for listening, and don't forget to follow and subscribe on your preferred podcast app so you never miss an episode.

You can also join the conversation and stay updated by following us on Twitter/X and Bluesky. We'd love to hear your thoughts and theories!

Join us next time as we continue our journey through the universe of Blake’s 7.

A:12: Deliverance: Space Pirates and Avon Goes God Mode (Sort Of)02 Apr 202501:25:53

Teleporting in... welcome to Federation Strike: A Journey Through Blake's 7!

We’re looking at the penultimate episode of Series A, and does it deliver?

Avon gets a chance to strut his stuff as “Lord Avon,” and let’s just say, he doesn’t shy away from the spotlight—much to Villa's amusement. Meanwhile, Servalan and Travis are cooking up a devious plan to snag Orac, and the tension is palpable as they plot in the shadows.

As we've often found with every episode so far, the performances are what make this series shine, even when the narrative feels a tad familiar.

So, let’s get stuck into this important story that sets the stage for the series finale!

We're teleporting out for now! Thanks for listening, and don't forget to follow and subscribe on your preferred podcast app so you never miss an episode.

You can also join the conversation and stay updated by following us on Twitter/X and Bluesky. We'd love to hear your thoughts and theories!

Join us next time as we continue our journey through the universe of Blake’s 7.

A:13: Orac: A Race to Orac Plus THAT Cliffhanger Ending!09 Apr 202501:27:51

Teleporting in... welcome to Federation Strike: A Journey Through Blake's 7!

We’re wrapping up Series A of Blake 7 with a bang in this episode, and it’s all about the finale, “Orac.” Can you believe we made it here? It feels like we were getting our feet wet just yesterday in the wild universe of Blake's 7.

This episode had it all: intrigue, suspense, and a touch of emotional depth. As Blake and his crew race against time to prevent Servalan and Travis from getting their hands on Orac, we delve into a narrative that balances action with character development. The tension builds as we witness Ensor's frailty and the crew's desperate attempts to save him, all while dodging Federation threats.

The performances shine, especially Derek Farr's as Ensor, who brings a quirky yet poignant touch to the role. It’s a bittersweet finale that leaves us on the edge of our seats, pondering what’s next for our favorite space rogues. And that cliffhanger? Total game-changer! How can you not be itching to dive into Series B after that?

We hope you enjoy our review of the episode Orac, and fear not, we're back next week to kick off some bonus episodes, starting with a wrap-up review of Series A. This will be followed by a couple of special interview episodes with people involved with the Blake's 7 blu ray box sets, so tune in next week to find out more!

We're teleporting out for now! Thanks for listening, and don't forget to follow and subscribe on your preferred podcast app so you never miss an episode.

You can also join the conversation and stay updated by following us on Twitter/X and Bluesky. We'd love to hear your thoughts and theories!

Join us next time as we continue our journey through the universe of Blake’s 7.

From The Way Back to Orac: Our Series A Wrap-Up16 Apr 202501:37:45

Teleporting in... welcome to Federation Strike: A Journey Through Blake's 7!

We’re wrapping up our ride through Series A of Blake 7, and boy, what a wild ride it’s been! From the dark themes in the first episode to some serious character growth, we’ve been on a journey that’s hooked both newbies and old-school fans alike. We’re very grateful for everyone who’s joined us on this trip, whether you’re rewatching or just tuning in for the first time.

It’s clear that Adam and I are riding high on a wave of nostalgia and excitement in this episode. We reflect on how we got here, from the very first episode to the last, thanking everyone who’s tuned in along the way. It’s been a journey of rediscovery for me, especially since I’d previously struggled with the show. Now, I’m all in!

We chat about our favorite episodes, with 'Seek Locate Destroy' stealing the spotlight for its thrilling narrative and incredible character development. The tension between Blake and Avon is palpable, and I can’t help but love how their dynamic evolves over time. Adam brings up how Travis and Servalan are a dream team of villainy, and we can’t wait to see how their stories unfold in Series B.

We also take a moment to recognize the hard work behind the remastering of this classic series and give props to the amazing crew who made it happen and... speaking of those people, our next bonus episode is an interview with visual effects supervisor and model extraordinaire Chris Thompson! Tune in next week for a geeky chat about Chris's work on bringing new effects that fit into Blake's 7's unique, classic look and some other tidbits of his work on other shows. Thanks, Chris!

We're teleporting out for now! Thanks for listening, and don't forget to follow and subscribe on your preferred podcast app so you never miss an episode.

You can also join the conversation and stay updated by following us on Twitter/X and Bluesky. We'd love to hear your thoughts and theories!

Join us next time as we continue our journey through the universe of Blake’s 7.

Models to Magic: A Chin Wag with Visual Effects Extraordinaire Chris Thompson23 Apr 202501:07:46

Teleporting in... welcome to Federation Strike: A Journey Through Blake's 7!

For our second bonus episode, we've got a special chat featuring the visual effects wizard, Chris Thompson. Chris shares some behind-the-scenes magic, like how he brought those epic models back to life and the clever tricks he used to update the classic effects while keeping their charm intact.

We also take a peek into Chris' early days of creating art for classic shows like Thunderbirds, Space 1999, etc and share his journey that’s as captivating as the show itself. We chat about the challenges of blending old-school charm with modern tech in the remastering process, making sure that fans of the original can still appreciate that vintage vibe while also getting a taste of the new. Plus, there’s a healthy dose of nostalgia as we wax about the good ol’ days of sci-fi shows.

This interview is a wonderful insight into the creativity, love and care that's gone into, and continues to go into, Chris' work, and you can feel the passion in his words. If you’re a fan of Blake's 7 or just love behind-the-scenes stories, this episode is a must-listen!

We're teleporting out for now! Thanks for listening, and don't forget to follow and subscribe on your preferred podcast app so you never miss an episode.

You can also join the conversation and stay updated by following us on Twitter/X and Bluesky. We'd love to hear your thoughts and theories!

Join us next time as we continue our journey through the universe of Blake’s 7.

Restoring Blake's 7 with Paul Vanezis30 Apr 202502:01:10

Teleporting in... welcome to Federation Strike: A Journey Through Blake's 7!

We had a fantastic chat with Paul Vanezis, the genius behind the visual cleanup of the Blake's 7 Blu-ray box set. Right off the bat, we dive into his experiences restoring this classic series, which has been a labour of love with some hefty challenges. Paul shares some behind-the-scenes stories about the challenges he faced, from dealing with old tape glitches to ensuring the episodes look as good as they did back in 1978.

It’s a fascinating chat that goes into the ins and outs of restoration, and we even get a peek at some of the tech wizardry that goes into making the show shine in modern HD. If you love this subject and also need some behind-the-scenes banter, this episode is a must-listen.

We're teleporting out for now! Thanks for listening, and don't forget to follow and subscribe on your preferred podcast app so you never miss an episode.

You can also join the conversation and stay updated by following us on Twitter/X and Bluesky. We'd love to hear your thoughts and theories!

Join us next time as we continue our journey through the universe of Blake’s 7.

The Blake's 7 Reboot: The Details and Our Hot Takes!28 Jan 202601:10:32

Teleporting in... welcome to Federation Strike: A Journey Through Blake's 7!

Blake's 7 is (hopefully) making a comeback, and we're here for it! We chat about what it could mean for the series, the casting possibilities, and how it might connect with a new audience while keeping the old school charm alive.

Whether you're here for the sci-fi nostalgia or just curious about what Blake's 7's future might hold, join us for this laid-back chat about one of our favourite British sci-fi shows.

We're teleporting out for now! Thanks for listening, and don't forget to follow and subscribe on your preferred podcast app so you never miss an episode.

You can also join the conversation and stay updated by following us on Twitter/X and Bluesky. We'd love to hear your thoughts and theories!

Join us next time as we continue our journey through the universe of Blake’s 7.

B02: Shadow: Blake's 7 Goes Dark in First Non-Terry Nation Script08 Apr 202600:57:35

Teleporting in... welcome to Federation Strike: A Journey Through Blake's 7!

The Terra Nostra await Blake and the crew on Space City, but dark times are afoot.

This is the first "proper" non-Terry Nation script, written by Chris Boucher, script editor at the time. As a result, we have some dark themes with Blake and the others up against a criminal organisation with ties to the Federation.

We're teleporting out for now! Thanks for listening, and don't forget to follow and subscribe on your preferred podcast app so you never miss an episode.

You can also join the conversation and stay updated by following us on Twitter/X and Bluesky. We'd love to hear your thoughts and theories!

Join us next time as we continue our journey through the universe of Blake’s 7.

B01: Redemption: The Liberator Fights Back08 Apr 202601:28:04

Teleporting in... welcome to Federation Strike: A Journey Through Blake's 7!

Hello, Blake's 7 fans, and welcome to the first episode of a new season! We're back with new Blu-rays of Series B and ready to talk all things B7. Thank you to all who listened to our first season and for letting us know how much you enjoyed it. Another thank you to those of you who have either not watched Blake's 7 before or haven't in years, and our podcast inspired you to start watching, we love that.

We're now at the beginning of Series B and the first episode - Redemption. Blake and the crew are worried about the fate of the Liberator and, by extension, their own lives, as Orac has served up a troubling prediction.

Listen now for our thoughts as we begin our journey into Series B.

We're teleporting out for now! Thanks for listening, and don't forget to follow and subscribe on your preferred podcast app so you never miss an episode.

You can also join the conversation and stay updated by following us on Twitter/X and Bluesky. We'd love to hear your thoughts and theories!

Join us next time as we continue our journey through the universe of Blake’s 7.

B04: Horizon: Blake Captured and Avon Considers a Mutinous Escape22 Apr 202600:52:33

Teleporting in... welcome to Federation Strike: A Journey Through Blake's 7!

Hey, Blake's 7 fans, and thank you for tuning in for our latest episode and our review of Horizon.

Everybody's knackered. The Liberator crew are running on fumes, tempers are fraying, and Blake still wants to go and poke his nose into an uncharted planet. Classic Blake.

Written by Allan Prior in his first script for Blake's 7, it's not the show at its most spectacular, but it's got a quiet confidence to it. A nicely paced story about a colonial ruler being freed from Federation control while the crew are forced into hard labour.

All of them except Avon, who has to decide whether to take the Liberator and disappear into space or go back for the rest of them. This scene stopped Garry dead in his tracks. Amazing.

Listen now for our thoughts and review of Blake's 7 Series B, Episode 4 - Horizon.

We're teleporting out for now! Thanks for listening, and don't forget to follow and subscribe on your preferred podcast app so you never miss an episode.

You can also join the conversation and stay updated by following us on Twitter/X and Bluesky. We'd love to hear your thoughts and theories!

Join us next time as we continue our journey through the universe of Blake’s 7.

B03: Weapon: The Hunt for IMIPAK Is On and Our First Look at Travis 2.015 Apr 202601:24:38

Teleporting in... welcome to Federation Strike: A Journey Through Blake's 7!

It's only the third episode, but things are heating up as Blake and the crew face off against the Federation, who are on the hunt for their now stolen new weapon, IMIPAK.

There's also some changing dynamics with the new Travis and Servalan, as Brian Croucher steps into some hefty shoes left by his predecessor. He's desperate to take out Blake, which leads to some tense moments, the moments we love!

How does this episode stack up to last week's as we move ever forward through Series B?

We're teleporting out for now! Thanks for listening, and don't forget to follow and subscribe on your preferred podcast app so you never miss an episode.

You can also join the conversation and stay updated by following us on Twitter/X and Bluesky. We'd love to hear your thoughts and theories!

Join us next time as we continue our journey through the universe of Blake’s 7.

B05: Pressure Point: When Blake's Big Plan Goes Bust29 Apr 202601:13:20

Teleporting in... welcome to Federation Strike: A Journey Through Blake's 7!

Pressure Point really cranks up the tension as Blake hatches a daring plan to strike at the heart of the Federation. The infighting between Servalan and Travis adds a delicious layer of backstabbing and power struggles that is performed so beautifully.

We chat about the performances, especially Gareth Thomas, bringing some real depth to Blake this time around. It’s a well-crafted story that balances action with emotional weight, showcasing the series’ knack for character-driven storytelling.

So grab your headphones, kick back, and join us as we dissect all the twists and turns in this gripping episode of Blake's 7.

We're teleporting out for now! Thanks for listening, and don't forget to follow and subscribe on your preferred podcast app so you never miss an episode.

You can also join the conversation and stay updated by following us on Twitter/X and Bluesky. We'd love to hear your thoughts and theories!

Join us next time as we continue our journey through the universe of Blake’s 7.

B06: Trial: Could This Be the End for Travis?06 May 202601:10:15

Teleporting in... welcome to Federation Strike: A Journey Through Blake's 7!

Things get spicy as Travis finally faces the music for his past misdeeds. Blake’s grappling with some serious guilt over Gan's death, and it’s clear the crew is feeling the heat of his decisions.

Meanwhile, Servalan is pulling strings like a puppet master, ready to watch Travis dance into the gallows.

The friction between Blake and Avon is as palpable as ever, especially with Avon looking to seize any chance to undermine him.

So, grab your teleport bracelets and settle in as we watch Travis' fate unfold.

We're teleporting out for now! Thanks for listening, and don't forget to follow and subscribe on your preferred podcast app so you never miss an episode.

You can also join the conversation and stay updated by following us on Twitter/X and Bluesky. We'd love to hear your thoughts and theories!

Join us next time as we continue our journey through the universe of Blake’s 7.

B07: Killer: Robert Holmes Brings Dark Sci-Fi to Blake's 713 May 202601:18:02

Teleporting in... welcome to Federation Strike: A Journey Through Blake's 7!

The first Robert Holmes script for Blake's 7, and Garry and Adam both agree it has a noticeably different tone to what the show has been doing. Robert Holmes's fingerprints are all over it, and that, concerning this episode, is a good thing.

The big talking points: why the Avon and Vila pairing works so well here, what Tynus's betrayal says about the kind of company Avon keeps, and whether Blake's inexplicable calm in enemy territory is great character writing or just a quirk of the production order.

Plus: outfits that not even Paul Darrow can carry off, Gan's ghost in the production timeline, and Garry very nearly ordering the Blake's 7 DVD set after a couple of Guinness.

We're teleporting out for now! Thanks for listening, and don't forget to follow and subscribe on your preferred podcast app so you never miss an episode.

You can also join the conversation and stay updated by following us on Twitter/X and Bluesky. We'd love to hear your thoughts and theories!

Join us next time as we continue our journey through the universe of Blake’s 7.

B08: Hostage: A Trap, A Traitor, and a Very Tired Vila20 May 202601:21:16

Teleporting in... welcome to Federation Strike: A Journey Through Blake's 7!

Right, Blake fans: Hostage, and the verdict is in early: this is a thumping good episode. The script is razor-sharp, the crew actually gets equal footing for once, and the stakes feel real from the opening battle sequence. Later on, Brian Croucher gets a scene that Blake fans have been quoting for decades. You know the one. Ha!

We dig into the Avon twist that neither of us saw coming, the Servalan and Travis scene that somehow makes the episode slow down and speed up at the same time, and the slightly eyebrow-raising farewell between Blake and his cousin. A lot to love in this one, with a few things to poke at too.

We're teleporting out for now! Thanks for listening, and don't forget to follow and subscribe on your preferred podcast app so you never miss an episode.

You can also join the conversation and stay updated by following us on Twitter/X and Bluesky. We'd love to hear your thoughts and theories!

Join us next time as we continue our journey through the universe of Blake’s 7.

B10: Voice from the Past: Behold, the Plot Shall Wither03 Jun 202601:04:18

Teleporting in... welcome to Federation Strike: A Journey Through Blake's 7!

This week, we're reviewing Voice from the Past, Series B episode 10, written by Roger Parkes. There's a conspiracy at the heart of this one that reaches back to Blake's trial in The Way Back, and we spend a good amount of time unpacking what the episode is trying to do with that history, how well it does it, and where the logic starts to strain.

We also get into Gareth Thomas's performance, what Avon and Cally bring to the episode when they're working in detective mode, and why Orac's limited screen time in Series B keeps catching Adam off guard on the rewatch.

There's also a wider conversation in here about what makes a Vila scene work, why Avon's closing line is worth the price of admission on its own, and how the Blu-ray restoration team handled an episode that gave them some of their most challenging original footage yet.

We're teleporting out for now! Thanks for listening, and don't forget to follow and subscribe on your preferred podcast app so you never miss an episode.

You can also join the conversation and stay updated by following us on Twitter/X and Bluesky. We'd love to hear your thoughts and theories!

Join us next time as we continue our journey through the universe of Blake’s 7.

B09: Countdown: The Bomb Was Never the Problem27 May 202601:10:20

Teleporting in... welcome to Federation Strike: A Journey Through Blake's 7!

A spoiler straight out the gate from us: Countdown is the best episode we've covered in our entire Blake's 7 journey so far, and we're calling that without hesitation. It's a Terry Nation script with a cold open that throws you straight into a firefight, a ticking clock that builds real tension, and loads of character work packed into 50 minutes.

The Avon and Del Grant thread is where we spend the most time: what's actually driving Avon in those scenes, what Blake quietly stepping up for him reveals, and why a seemingly throwaway scene between Provine and a rebel is one of the most morally loaded things the show has done.

We also talk about Vila getting some brilliant moments, our ongoing frustration with Jenna and Cally being sidelined for what feels like the fourth episode running, and the Blu-ray's new effects, which genuinely impress us more here than anywhere else in Series B so far.

We're teleporting out for now! Thanks for listening, and don't forget to follow and subscribe on your preferred podcast app so you never miss an episode.

You can also join the conversation and stay updated by following us on Twitter/X and Bluesky. We'd love to hear your thoughts and theories!

Join us next time as we continue our journey through the universe of Blake’s 7.

B11: Gambit: Orac in a Lunchbox... and Our Goodbye to Michael Keating11 Jun 202601:12:10

Teleporting in... welcome to Federation Strike: A Journey Through Blake's 7!

This week we're reviewing Gambit, Series B episode 11, and we open with some sad news: the passing of Michael Keating, the man behind Vila Restal. Adam shares his memories of meeting Michael at conventions over the years, and we talk about what his performances have meant across the series and what still lies ahead for his character.

On the episode itself, we get into what makes Gambit so hard to pin down: a Freedom City setting that turns the camp dial past anything the show has reached before, a Robert Holmes script built almost entirely on double acts, and a Dudley Simpson-shaped hole where the score should be. We cover Avon and Vila's casino subplot, Servalan's convoluted masterplan, and why the Klute's speed chess scene would have been dead on its feet without Elizabeth Parker's last-minute musical rescue.

There's also a conversation about the new effects on the Blu-ray restoration, some unplanned on-set chaos involving a furry jacket that neither actor could get on during filming, and a few Doctor Who comparisons that turn out to have a real costume connection.

P.S. We record in advance, which is why you're only hearing us talk about Michael Keating's passing in this episode.

We're teleporting out for now! Thanks for listening, and don't forget to follow and subscribe on your preferred podcast app so you never miss an episode.

You can also join the conversation and stay updated by following us on Twitter/X and Bluesky. We'd love to hear your thoughts and theories!

Join us next time as we continue our journey through the universe of Blake’s 7.

B12: The Keeper: More Wine, Gola. More Wine17 Jun 202601:14:01

Teleporting in... welcome to Federation Strike: A Journey Through Blake's 7!

This week we're on the Series B penultimate episode, The Keeper and a strange one to find sitting in that slot. We debate whether it does what a penultimate episode should do, and whether that even matters when there's this much to enjoy.

We get into Bruce Purchase's Gola, Freda Jackson as Tara, the sibling dynamic between those two, the Vila moments that had us both pausing the episode, what Jenna finally gets to do this week, and the behind-the-scenes story of how this script ended up on screen.

We're teleporting out for now! Thanks for listening, and don't forget to follow and subscribe on your preferred podcast app so you never miss an episode.

You can also join the conversation and stay updated by following us on Twitter/X and Bluesky. We'd love to hear your thoughts and theories!

Join us next time as we continue our journey through the universe of Blake’s 7.

B13: Star One: Keeping Mankind In or Something Else Out?25 Jun 202601:27:23

Teleporting in... welcome to Federation Strike: A Journey Through Blake's 7!

This is it! Series 2 of Blake's 7 comes to an end with Star One, and neither of us quite got what we were expecting from this finale.

We spend a lot of time this week on the Blake and Avon relationship, which reaches a genuinely interesting moment here, and on what Jacqueline Pearce brings to Servalan when the character is under a very different kind of pressure than usual. There's also a proper look at the restored visual effects, which surprised at least one of us more than expected.

After some chat about David Maloney directing the whole thing without an on-screen credit (for which nobody seems to know exactly why), and Adam making an interesting Sally Knyvette observation in this episode, we give you our scores and thoughts.

Oh, and Terry Nation apparently wanted to put the Daleks in this episode, so... it's all going on!

P.S. It may be the last episode of Series B of Blake's 7, but it's not the end of our second season, as we have two bonus episodes for you! Next week is our Series B wrap-up episode, where we chat about the highs, lows and everything else. The week after is an interview with visual effects legend Chris Thompson, who dives into what into the new effects and model work, the differences from Series A to Series B, the challenges and more!

We're teleporting out for now! Thanks for listening, and don't forget to follow and subscribe on your preferred podcast app so you never miss an episode.

You can also join the conversation and stay updated by following us on Twitter/X and Bluesky. We'd love to hear your thoughts and theories!

Join us next time as we continue our journey through the universe of Blake’s 7.

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