One of our longer episodes in Season 12 focuses on cult sci-fi show Blake's 7. We covered the history of the series while focusing on pivotal Series 2 installment "Pressure Point." Mike and I had a lot to say in this one, having truly embraced Blake's and read up quite a bit on it. I can say it was one of my personal favorite episodes to record this season.
Anonymous Batty insider says: Does this relatively underseen series have a chance at competing with the some of the legendary shows of Season 12? Let me just say this: Both guys watched the entire series. Rick's household actually has the Season 1 Blu-Ray, and that ain't cheap. 'Nuff said.
All of this is courtesy of Laurie! She even took the picture.
The Programme Guide book by is largely plot summaries and other information like that, which were more valuable back in the publication year of 1982, but it also has a great section of interviews. I think subsequent books have made use of that material.
I plan to dive into the two Marvel UK magazines, which she just got me, in another post. They are fantastic and well worth seeking out. I haven't yet read the two Trevor Hoyle novels, and the Critical Guide is something I picked up at a used book store to add to the collection but haven't dug into at this time. Perhaps if/when we get the Blu-Rays and start a rewatch...
And here is the awesome shirt Mike got Laurie:
Missing: Action figures...because there AREN'T any!
What kind of name for a cop show is Softly, Softly? Well, the program was on for years!
The clips below are from our Blake's 7 video playlist, with the connection being that the cult sci-fi program essentially replaced the police drama on BBC. Yep, that's Tom Baker in the second vid.
Z-Cars premiered in 1962 and ran for about 800 episodes, ending in 1978. Softly, Softly spun off from it in 1966, and then it became Softly, Softly: Task Force (1969-1976).
According to Wikipedia, the title comes from a proverb, "Softly, softly catchee monkey," and I don't think I want to know more about that one. Wiki says it was the motto of Lancashire Constabulary Training School.
*This week we go international again with a look at the cult favorite BBC TV show!
*Blake's 7 aired 1979-1981 on BBC, 4 series, 52 total episodes.
*This episode contains spoilers for the programme, so be forewarned. The series has much more continuity than we might have expected!
*The books we discuss on the podcast are: -Blake's 7: An Oral History of the Classic UK Series by Joe Nazarro -Liberation by Alan Stevens and Fiona Moore
*Chris Boucher is apparently pronounced Chris BOW-CHER. We got "Chris" right, though!
*The cop show Blake's replaced on BBC (and inherited a budget from) was Softly, Softly: Task Force, which was spun off from Softly, Softly; which was spun off from Z-Cars (1962-1978).
*The episode we discuss, "Pressure Point," premiered February 6, 1979, the fifth episode of Series B. BBC Two aired Life on Earth with David Attenborough. On BBC One, it followed The Variety Club Awards and was followed by news and boxing.
*The director of this episode is George Spenton-Foster, who also directed 3 other episodes this season and did a few episodes of Doctor Who.
*The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art was where Paul Darrow, Ian McShane, and John Hurt shared a flat.
*Space Commander Travis is played by Stephen Greif and Brian Croucher (beginning with this second season). Greif had tired of the role somewhat and went on to other things, leading to Croucher stepping in and providing a different take on the character.
*Finally, check out our video playlist devoted to this episode, chock full of promos, adverts, clips, and more!
*And remember, you can always check out our official YouTube page for all of our past podcasts and episode-specific playlists for each one!
