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26 of 28 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Twelve episodes of genius, and one of derangement, 12 Aug 2004
The story-driven second season of Blake's 7 was perhaps its most successful, and probably the most satisfying of the series. From the resolution in 'Redemption' of Orac's prediction at the end of the first season that a ship looking suspiciously like the Liberator would be destroyed to the apocalyptic cliff hanger with which 'Star One' finishes, the storylines are gripping and the pace remorseless througout.Aside from the satisfying character development and the insights we are offered into the machinations of the B7 universe, many episodes (I would say 'all', but I will try and retain some objectivity) are gems in their own right. 'Shadow' focuses on Our Heroes interactions with the decidedly dubious Terra Nostra, with much hand-wringing as to the legitimacy of their own actions. Avon proves he is neither stupid nor expendable in 'Horizon', but can't help himself from bailing out the rest of the crew, whilst 'Pressure Point' sees the death of the first crew member and leaves the rest of the crew to reflect on whether Blake's leadership qualities are the consequence of altruism or egotism ('We did it! We did it! I did it!'). The court martial of 'Travis Mark 2' in 'Trial' is an opportunity for Brian Croucher to take centre stage and deliver a bravura performance, whilst 'Countdown', as the name suggests is a planet-hopping race against time which nevertheless allows for some interesting (or 'fascinating', as Orac would say) character development for Avon which is revisited in Series 3's 'Rumours of Death'. The supporting cast continue to put in outstanding performances, with 'Killer's Dr. Bellfriar being one of many season highlights. Whilst the sight of Travis wrapped in toilet roll in 'Voice from the Past' may have jarred some contemporary viewers' sensibilities, nothing could have possibly prepared them for what was to follow in the next episode. Steady your nerves with a Betazade and prepare yourself for 'Gambit's head-on collision between Louis XIV costuming, 'Hamlet', 'Cabaret', speed chess, soup-spitting, a cat on loan from 'Dr. No', and an armful of strontium grenades. 'Gambit' also features the first and, lamentably, only appearance from the true star of the series, Jarriere. Impressively tonsured and ample of nose, you'll be hanging on his every word. Disappointingly, rumours of the remaster containing the legendary lost 'penguin' footage appear to have been misleading. Buy without hesitation, and treasure this set as the masterpiece it is.
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