Blake's 7 's narrative concerns the exploits of political dissident Roj Blake, who leads a small group of rebels against the forces of the totalitarian Terran Federation that rules the Earth and many colonised planets. They are set in the third century of the second calendar (this is mentioned in associated publicity material, not in the series) and at least 700 years in the future. Although proposals for live-action and animated remakes have not been realised, Blake's 7 has been revived with two series of audio dramas, a comedic short film, and a series of fan-made audio plays involving the original cast.įour series of thirteen 50-minute episodes were made, and first broadcast in the United Kingdom between January 1978 and December 1981 by BBC1.

The BBC produced two audio dramas during 19 that feature original cast members and broadcast by Radio 4.

Four video compilations were released between 19, and the entire programme was released in videocassette format starting 1991 and re-released during 1997, and as four DVD boxed sets between 20. The BBC released music and sound effects from the series, and several companies made Blake's 7 toys and models. Critical responses have been varied some reviewers praised the programme for its dystopian themes, strong characterisation, ambiguous morality and pessimistic tone, as well as displaying an 'enormous sense of fun', but others have criticised its production values, dialogue, and accused it of lacking originality.Ī limited range of Blake's 7 merchandise was issued, and books, magazines and annuals published. The main character for the first two series was Roj Blake, played by Gareth Thomas.īlake's 7, which was broadcast in 25 other countries, had a low budget but featured many tropes of space opera, such as spaceships, robots, galactic empires and aliens.

It was created by Terry Nation, who also wrote the first series, produced by David Maloney (series 1–3) and Vere Lorrimer (series 4), and the script editor throughout its run was Chris Boucher, who wrote nine of its episodes. Four 13-episode series were broadcast on BBC1 between 19. Blake's 7 (sometimes styled Blakes7) is a British science fiction television programme produced by the BBC.

K.I.D.S. by Trevor Hoyle