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 Customer Reviews
Better than Blake, 16 Dec 2007
This is a fun book and I must say that I enjoyed reading it very much.I think the author must have written it without very much help from an editor. It could do with some "tidying up". Talking of his parents he writes "Val married Gwen in August 1939. In September, Hitler invaded Poland".
No connection, I hope.
This book is published by Big Finish, a company that seems to specialise in fan fiction (and audiovisuals) for cult TV programmes. Unsuprisingly, a lot of the book is devoted to Blake's in which Mr Darrow gave such a memorable performance as Avon. Watching some of the DVDs recently I'd forgotton what a great characterisation it is. Even when he is not delivering his waspy lines, his eyes flash and he will look unsmilingly at the other actors or fail completely to deliver the little social graces and acknowledgements that allow us all to rub along. He is pathologically controlled and controlling and it is all there in the performance, for example in the way his arms are often held tightly to his sides, in his quick movements, and in his habit of sometimes smiling unexpectedly, more usually to himself than other people. I wanted to know more about this actor; why haven't we seen more of him since?
To that though, there is no answer. Acting is a fickle business it seems. A few familiar faces keep poping up in all sort of work while others, often it seems no less talented, languish or get stuck in interminable touring productions or provincial rep.
If you can put up with the horrible type setting of this book (tiny, crowded print, no proper gutters) you will find a very lively (and I'm sorry but the stereotype about actors is true, so at times slightly bitchy) account of acting in the strata below the Judi Dench's and Ian McKellan's of this world and of making Science Fiction TV in the 1970s.
Never less than entertaining, 19 Sep 2007
Parts of this book had me howling with laughter; most of it kept a smile on my face, not least the Blakes 7 quotations which head every chapter. Mr Darrow is unfailingly generous about the many well-known names he delights in dropping throughout the book. He has obviously enjoyed his career! I must mention one chapter above all: The Plain Man's Guide To Alien Invasion is without doubt the funniest and most penetrating episode guide to B7 ever written. A gem
"You know you're safe with me !", 12 Aug 2007
For those who only know Paul Darrow as Avon, his cold and calculating Blake character, this book will be pleasant surprise. It is well written and the humour is of a far warmer sort than Avon's bleak wit. Blake's 7 does take up a lot of space (that's the sort of Darrow-esque pun found throughout this tome) but as Avon is by far the author's most famous role, and most of the readers will be fans of the show, then this is understandable. There is however plenty of non-Blake material here too; from his childhood through to his early acting career, and then his life since that most famous of Butch Cassidy style endings that has to be one of the best television finales ever whether you like science fiction or not. Whether or not you are a fan of Blake's 7 this book will surely keep your attention throughout, it's easy to read and even hints at a second volume. I thoroughly recommend it to all.
A SLIGHTLY RAMBLING TALE OF AN ACTORS LIFE., 22 Jan 2007
I have admired Paul Darrow since he played and is best know for Kerr Avon in Blakes 7. This book charts Pauls life from childhood to time at a Public School and then on to a military college during the 1950's. Then when he decides to take up acting full time much to the surprise of his Father. His big break came when he was accepted for the part of Avon in B7 and he has never looked back since. I do get the feeling that as he has never let the part go , neither has the general acting world. And he can't get past that time of the huge success as Avon which has limited his further career. This is a very funny book and Paul pulls no punches as he describes his life but as ever focuses to much on B7. We still learn next to nothing about his wife Janet Lees Price and his later work. And worst of all he seems to ramble with the narrative which makes it very hard to follow. There are some nice press photo's and some of Paul during his childhood to round it all off. This book does fail on some levels but overall it's a very good buy indeed.
Avon's Still Calling, 18 Jul 2006
This book is a must for anyone who remembers the BBC's sci-fi series "Blake's 7" and spent the late '70s and early '80s wanting to a) be Kerr Avon or b) sleep with Kerr Avon. Paul Darrow's latest book not only offers a retrospective look at his career to date, but provides fans with an insider's view of what it was like to be part of B7. Some readers might find the often wandering narrative frustrating, others - particularly those who have met Paul and have enjoyed listening to his anecdotes - are more likely to find it endearing. If you have even a passing interest in B7, this book is worth a read... amongst other gems it contains what may be the funniest plot synopsis of "The Keeper" EVER.
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Customer Reviews
Better than Blake, 16 Dec 2007
This is a fun book and I must say that I enjoyed reading it very much.I think the author must have written it without very much help from an editor. It could do with some "tidying up". Talking of his parents he writes "Val married Gwen in August 1939. In September, Hitler invaded Poland".
No connection, I hope.
This book is published by Big Finish, a company that seems to specialise in fan fiction (and audiovisuals) for cult TV programmes. Unsuprisingly, a lot of the book is devoted to Blake's in which Mr Darrow gave such a memorable performance as Avon. Watching some of the DVDs recently I'd forgotton what a great characterisation it is. Even when he is not delivering his waspy lines, his eyes flash and he will look unsmilingly at the other actors or fail completely to deliver the little social graces and acknowledgements that allow us all to rub along. He is pathologically controlled and controlling and it is all there in the performance, for example in the way his arms are often held tightly to his sides, in his quick movements, and in his habit of sometimes smiling unexpectedly, more usually to himself than other people. I wanted to know more about this actor; why haven't we seen more of him since?
To that though, there is no answer. Acting is a fickle business it seems. A few familiar faces keep poping up in all sort of work while others, often it seems no less talented, languish or get stuck in interminable touring productions or provincial rep.
If you can put up with the horrible type setting of this book (tiny, crowded print, no proper gutters) you will find a very lively (and I'm sorry but the stereotype about actors is true, so at times slightly bitchy) account of acting in the strata below the Judi Dench's and Ian McKellan's of this world and of making Science Fiction TV in the 1970s.
Never less than entertaining, 19 Sep 2007
Parts of this book had me howling with laughter; most of it kept a smile on my face, not least the Blakes 7 quotations which head every chapter. Mr Darrow is unfailingly generous about the many well-known names he delights in dropping throughout the book. He has obviously enjoyed his career! I must mention one chapter above all: The Plain Man's Guide To Alien Invasion is without doubt the funniest and most penetrating episode guide to B7 ever written. A gem
"You know you're safe with me !", 12 Aug 2007
For those who only know Paul Darrow as Avon, his cold and calculating Blake character, this book will be pleasant surprise. It is well written and the humour is of a far warmer sort than Avon's bleak wit. Blake's 7 does take up a lot of space (that's the sort of Darrow-esque pun found throughout this tome) but as Avon is by far the author's most famous role, and most of the readers will be fans of the show, then this is understandable. There is however plenty of non-Blake material here too; from his childhood through to his early acting career, and then his life since that most famous of Butch Cassidy style endings that has to be one of the best television finales ever whether you like science fiction or not. Whether or not you are a fan of Blake's 7 this book will surely keep your attention throughout, it's easy to read and even hints at a second volume. I thoroughly recommend it to all.
A SLIGHTLY RAMBLING TALE OF AN ACTORS LIFE., 22 Jan 2007
I have admired Paul Darrow since he played and is best know for Kerr Avon in Blakes 7. This book charts Pauls life from childhood to time at a Public School and then on to a military college during the 1950's. Then when he decides to take up acting full time much to the surprise of his Father. His big break came when he was accepted for the part of Avon in B7 and he has never looked back since. I do get the feeling that as he has never let the part go , neither has the general acting world. And he can't get past that time of the huge success as Avon which has limited his further career. This is a very funny book and Paul pulls no punches as he describes his life but as ever focuses to much on B7. We still learn next to nothing about his wife Janet Lees Price and his later work. And worst of all he seems to ramble with the narrative which makes it very hard to follow. There are some nice press photo's and some of Paul during his childhood to round it all off. This book does fail on some levels but overall it's a very good buy indeed.
Avon's Still Calling, 18 Jul 2006
This book is a must for anyone who remembers the BBC's sci-fi series "Blake's 7" and spent the late '70s and early '80s wanting to a) be Kerr Avon or b) sleep with Kerr Avon. Paul Darrow's latest book not only offers a retrospective look at his career to date, but provides fans with an insider's view of what it was like to be part of B7. Some readers might find the often wandering narrative frustrating, others - particularly those who have met Paul and have enjoyed listening to his anecdotes - are more likely to find it endearing. If you have even a passing interest in B7, this book is worth a read... amongst other gems it contains what may be the funniest plot synopsis of "The Keeper" EVER.
blake's all new seven part three, 08 Aug 2008
third in a series of audio plays that is an all new version of blake's seven, the popular old bbc science fiction show. this is a remake/slight reimaging with an all new cast. and a few new characters.
each of these cd's runs for roughly sixty minutes and is divided into twelve tracks. this is because it was originally broadcast on the internet as twelve short episodes but they all flow together smoothly here.
the story continues on from earlier cd's rebel and traitor, and it's best to hear them first in order to pick up what's going on.
and there's a lot of that. rebellion is brewing on blake's ship, and the federation are setting traps to catch him. can he survive both, and the bigger danger that awaits....
be aware this does end on a huge cliffhanger and there's unfortunately no sign of any continuation ahoy. but what a cliffhanger it is! and this release also contains an excellent bonus disc of extras. most audios that do that just have audio interviews with cast and crew but this does it visually and that makes them all the more better.
a great return for blake's seven and an excellent audio series
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Customer Reviews
Better than Blake, 16 Dec 2007
This is a fun book and I must say that I enjoyed reading it very much.I think the author must have written it without very much help from an editor. It could do with some "tidying up". Talking of his parents he writes "Val married Gwen in August 1939. In September, Hitler invaded Poland".
No connection, I hope.
This book is published by Big Finish, a company that seems to specialise in fan fiction (and audiovisuals) for cult TV programmes. Unsuprisingly, a lot of the book is devoted to Blake's in which Mr Darrow gave such a memorable performance as Avon. Watching some of the DVDs recently I'd forgotton what a great characterisation it is. Even when he is not delivering his waspy lines, his eyes flash and he will look unsmilingly at the other actors or fail completely to deliver the little social graces and acknowledgements that allow us all to rub along. He is pathologically controlled and controlling and it is all there in the performance, for example in the way his arms are often held tightly to his sides, in his quick movements, and in his habit of sometimes smiling unexpectedly, more usually to himself than other people. I wanted to know more about this actor; why haven't we seen more of him since?
To that though, there is no answer. Acting is a fickle business it seems. A few familiar faces keep poping up in all sort of work while others, often it seems no less talented, languish or get stuck in interminable touring productions or provincial rep.
If you can put up with the horrible type setting of this book (tiny, crowded print, no proper gutters) you will find a very lively (and I'm sorry but the stereotype about actors is true, so at times slightly bitchy) account of acting in the strata below the Judi Dench's and Ian McKellan's of this world and of making Science Fiction TV in the 1970s.
Never less than entertaining, 19 Sep 2007
Parts of this book had me howling with laughter; most of it kept a smile on my face, not least the Blakes 7 quotations which head every chapter. Mr Darrow is unfailingly generous about the many well-known names he delights in dropping throughout the book. He has obviously enjoyed his career! I must mention one chapter above all: The Plain Man's Guide To Alien Invasion is without doubt the funniest and most penetrating episode guide to B7 ever written. A gem
"You know you're safe with me !", 12 Aug 2007
For those who only know Paul Darrow as Avon, his cold and calculating Blake character, this book will be pleasant surprise. It is well written and the humour is of a far warmer sort than Avon's bleak wit. Blake's 7 does take up a lot of space (that's the sort of Darrow-esque pun found throughout this tome) but as Avon is by far the author's most famous role, and most of the readers will be fans of the show, then this is understandable. There is however plenty of non-Blake material here too; from his childhood through to his early acting career, and then his life since that most famous of Butch Cassidy style endings that has to be one of the best television finales ever whether you like science fiction or not. Whether or not you are a fan of Blake's 7 this book will surely keep your attention throughout, it's easy to read and even hints at a second volume. I thoroughly recommend it to all.
A SLIGHTLY RAMBLING TALE OF AN ACTORS LIFE., 22 Jan 2007
I have admired Paul Darrow since he played and is best know for Kerr Avon in Blakes 7. This book charts Pauls life from childhood to time at a Public School and then on to a military college during the 1950's. Then when he decides to take up acting full time much to the surprise of his Father. His big break came when he was accepted for the part of Avon in B7 and he has never looked back since. I do get the feeling that as he has never let the part go , neither has the general acting world. And he can't get past that time of the huge success as Avon which has limited his further career. This is a very funny book and Paul pulls no punches as he describes his life but as ever focuses to much on B7. We still learn next to nothing about his wife Janet Lees Price and his later work. And worst of all he seems to ramble with the narrative which makes it very hard to follow. There are some nice press photo's and some of Paul during his childhood to round it all off. This book does fail on some levels but overall it's a very good buy indeed.
Avon's Still Calling, 18 Jul 2006
This book is a must for anyone who remembers the BBC's sci-fi series "Blake's 7" and spent the late '70s and early '80s wanting to a) be Kerr Avon or b) sleep with Kerr Avon. Paul Darrow's latest book not only offers a retrospective look at his career to date, but provides fans with an insider's view of what it was like to be part of B7. Some readers might find the often wandering narrative frustrating, others - particularly those who have met Paul and have enjoyed listening to his anecdotes - are more likely to find it endearing. If you have even a passing interest in B7, this book is worth a read... amongst other gems it contains what may be the funniest plot synopsis of "The Keeper" EVER.
blake's all new seven part three, 08 Aug 2008
third in a series of audio plays that is an all new version of blake's seven, the popular old bbc science fiction show. this is a remake/slight reimaging with an all new cast. and a few new characters.
each of these cd's runs for roughly sixty minutes and is divided into twelve tracks. this is because it was originally broadcast on the internet as twelve short episodes but they all flow together smoothly here.
the story continues on from earlier cd's rebel and traitor, and it's best to hear them first in order to pick up what's going on.
and there's a lot of that. rebellion is brewing on blake's ship, and the federation are setting traps to catch him. can he survive both, and the bigger danger that awaits....
be aware this does end on a huge cliffhanger and there's unfortunately no sign of any continuation ahoy. but what a cliffhanger it is! and this release also contains an excellent bonus disc of extras. most audios that do that just have audio interviews with cast and crew but this does it visually and that makes them all the more better.
a great return for blake's seven and an excellent audio series
blakes all new seven, 08 Aug 2008
an audio play based on the popular bbc tv series of the 70's-80's blakes seven, about freedom fighters in a spaceship fighting a tyrannical government that rules lots of worlds in the relatively near future.
this is an all new version of the show. best described as a remake/slight reimagining with an all new cast.
the federation rule earth and all the worlds humanity has colonised. but roj blake, political activist and thorn in their side, has crossed them one too many times. deported to a penal colony on trumped up charges with several criminals, salvation arrives when he and some of the criminals get to take over an abandoned alien spaceship. the fight back can begin. even though not all the crew may share blake's enthusiasm for it.
this is the first of three audios telling this story. it runs for roughly sixty minutes. this was originally broadcast over the internet in twelve short episodes of roughly five to six minutes each, and they are combined here. each episode takes up a track and thus each ends on a cliffhanger, but they all flow together seamlessly enough and you'll barely notice the jumps.
story and acting wise this is pretty good. it does take a little while, if you're used to the original show, to get used to the new cast and their takes on the characters, but they all do rather well. especially those playing avon and blake and servalan.
it's slightly different from the original in that there's no cally.
a good start for this project. which will make you eager to hear the rest. the story continues on the cd blake's seven the audio adventures: traitor
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Customer Reviews
Better than Blake, 16 Dec 2007
This is a fun book and I must say that I enjoyed reading it very much.I think the author must have written it without very much help from an editor. It could do with some "tidying up". Talking of his parents he writes "Val married Gwen in August 1939. In September, Hitler invaded Poland".
No connection, I hope.
This book is published by Big Finish, a company that seems to specialise in fan fiction (and audiovisuals) for cult TV programmes. Unsuprisingly, a lot of the book is devoted to Blake's in which Mr Darrow gave such a memorable performance as Avon. Watching some of the DVDs recently I'd forgotton what a great characterisation it is. Even when he is not delivering his waspy lines, his eyes flash and he will look unsmilingly at the other actors or fail completely to deliver the little social graces and acknowledgements that allow us all to rub along. He is pathologically controlled and controlling and it is all there in the performance, for example in the way his arms are often held tightly to his sides, in his quick movements, and in his habit of sometimes smiling unexpectedly, more usually to himself than other people. I wanted to know more about this actor; why haven't we seen more of him since?
To that though, there is no answer. Acting is a fickle business it seems. A few familiar faces keep poping up in all sort of work while others, often it seems no less talented, languish or get stuck in interminable touring productions or provincial rep.
If you can put up with the horrible type setting of this book (tiny, crowded print, no proper gutters) you will find a very lively (and I'm sorry but the stereotype about actors is true, so at times slightly bitchy) account of acting in the strata below the Judi Dench's and Ian McKellan's of this world and of making Science Fiction TV in the 1970s.
Never less than entertaining, 19 Sep 2007
Parts of this book had me howling with laughter; most of it kept a smile on my face, not least the Blakes 7 quotations which head every chapter. Mr Darrow is unfailingly generous about the many well-known names he delights in dropping throughout the book. He has obviously enjoyed his career! I must mention one chapter above all: The Plain Man's Guide To Alien Invasion is without doubt the funniest and most penetrating episode guide to B7 ever written. A gem
"You know you're safe with me !", 12 Aug 2007
For those who only know Paul Darrow as Avon, his cold and calculating Blake character, this book will be pleasant surprise. It is well written and the humour is of a far warmer sort than Avon's bleak wit. Blake's 7 does take up a lot of space (that's the sort of Darrow-esque pun found throughout this tome) but as Avon is by far the author's most famous role, and most of the readers will be fans of the show, then this is understandable. There is however plenty of non-Blake material here too; from his childhood through to his early acting career, and then his life since that most famous of Butch Cassidy style endings that has to be one of the best television finales ever whether you like science fiction or not. Whether or not you are a fan of Blake's 7 this book will surely keep your attention throughout, it's easy to read and even hints at a second volume. I thoroughly recommend it to all.
A SLIGHTLY RAMBLING TALE OF AN ACTORS LIFE., 22 Jan 2007
I have admired Paul Darrow since he played and is best know for Kerr Avon in Blakes 7. This book charts Pauls life from childhood to time at a Public School and then on to a military college during the 1950's. Then when he decides to take up acting full time much to the surprise of his Father. His big break came when he was accepted for the part of Avon in B7 and he has never looked back since. I do get the feeling that as he has never let the part go , neither has the general acting world. And he can't get past that time of the huge success as Avon which has limited his further career. This is a very funny book and Paul pulls no punches as he describes his life but as ever focuses to much on B7. We still learn next to nothing about his wife Janet Lees Price and his later work. And worst of all he seems to ramble with the narrative which makes it very hard to follow. There are some nice press photo's and some of Paul during his childhood to round it all off. This book does fail on some levels but overall it's a very good buy indeed.
Avon's Still Calling, 18 Jul 2006
This book is a must for anyone who remembers the BBC's sci-fi series "Blake's 7" and spent the late '70s and early '80s wanting to a) be Kerr Avon or b) sleep with Kerr Avon. Paul Darrow's latest book not only offers a retrospective look at his career to date, but provides fans with an insider's view of what it was like to be part of B7. Some readers might find the often wandering narrative frustrating, others - particularly those who have met Paul and have enjoyed listening to his anecdotes - are more likely to find it endearing. If you have even a passing interest in B7, this book is worth a read... amongst other gems it contains what may be the funniest plot synopsis of "The Keeper" EVER.
blake's all new seven part three, 08 Aug 2008
third in a series of audio plays that is an all new version of blake's seven, the popular old bbc science fiction show. this is a remake/slight reimaging with an all new cast. and a few new characters.
each of these cd's runs for roughly sixty minutes and is divided into twelve tracks. this is because it was originally broadcast on the internet as twelve short episodes but they all flow together smoothly here.
the story continues on from earlier cd's rebel and traitor, and it's best to hear them first in order to pick up what's going on.
and there's a lot of that. rebellion is brewing on blake's ship, and the federation are setting traps to catch him. can he survive both, and the bigger danger that awaits....
be aware this does end on a huge cliffhanger and there's unfortunately no sign of any continuation ahoy. but what a cliffhanger it is! and this release also contains an excellent bonus disc of extras. most audios that do that just have audio interviews with cast and crew but this does it visually and that makes them all the more better.
a great return for blake's seven and an excellent audio series
blakes all new seven, 08 Aug 2008
an audio play based on the popular bbc tv series of the 70's-80's blakes seven, about freedom fighters in a spaceship fighting a tyrannical government that rules lots of worlds in the relatively near future.
this is an all new version of the show. best described as a remake/slight reimagining with an all new cast.
the federation rule earth and all the worlds humanity has colonised. but roj blake, political activist and thorn in their side, has crossed them one too many times. deported to a penal colony on trumped up charges with several criminals, salvation arrives when he and some of the criminals get to take over an abandoned alien spaceship. the fight back can begin. even though not all the crew may share blake's enthusiasm for it.
this is the first of three audios telling this story. it runs for roughly sixty minutes. this was originally broadcast over the internet in twelve short episodes of roughly five to six minutes each, and they are combined here. each episode takes up a track and thus each ends on a cliffhanger, but they all flow together seamlessly enough and you'll barely notice the jumps.
story and acting wise this is pretty good. it does take a little while, if you're used to the original show, to get used to the new cast and their takes on the characters, but they all do rather well. especially those playing avon and blake and servalan.
it's slightly different from the original in that there's no cally.
a good start for this project. which will make you eager to hear the rest. the story continues on the cd blake's seven the audio adventures: traitor
Pity, I was looking forward to this...., 17 Oct 2007
A friend bought this book for me, and delivered it with the words "I don't know why you read these things - you're bound to know more than they do." In this case he was right.
I am an avid fan of Blake's 7, and was interested to read a serious critical review, rather than an analysis penned by fans. It is true that we fans are generally able to recognise flaws, mistakes, inconsistencies and discontinuities. We do not subscribe to some myth that the series was in any way perfect, but I was keen to read something written by someone with a good grounding in sci fi, and a degree of detachment. My problem with this book is that it is inaccurate, and, on occasion, the author bases his theories on misconceptions. Although to the non-enthusiast the fact that we are told several times that Cally died on the Liberator (demonstrably not true), may seem trivial, it is intensely irritating. Similarly, the author seems not to be able to recognise guns in the hands of women. In Rumours of Death, Anna Grant is killed by Avon because she betrayed him (actually she was quicker on the draw, if not on the trigger, and would have killed him). In Power Avon murders Pella (a woman who the author suggests would have made a good ally) in cold blood (she was armed and firing at him). The former mistake is important in that the author projects forward from this episode to the final denouement, and while betrayal is a common theme, the killings are under quite different circumstances, and this leads to flawed assumptions about, and analysis of a leading character.
Oh yes, and the writer of the splendid "Assassin" in Season 4 was Rod Beacham, not Rod Beachman - inexcusable, really.
I have the impression that the author watched the early episodes with far greater attention that the later ones, or perhaps his analyses of later episodes were written more from memory.
His views are interesting, and I enjoyed the analysis of series one and two, but had to force myself to read the second half of the book, such became my irritation. This was a pity as the author has some very interesting ideas. Unfortunately he skims over some major issues, and occasional episodes get only a cursory review.
Finally the finale - the author, like so many before him, propounds his theory as to what lay behind the freeze frame smile - odd, and not remotely believable. I have heard any number of ideas about this, and they generally centre around irony, and occasionally defiance, not this convoluted messianic nonsense.
"When Avon smiles at the conclusion of Blake,' he is amused because he is the butt of a cosmic joke. Avon, the one who trusts nobody, will die because he should have trusted Blake. . . . Avon's last act is completely heroic and idealistic. He protects Blake's body from the storm troopers, and realizes that Blake's way was the only way. He learns that the only way to win is with ideals, honor and ideas, not with rationality and cold logic. With a last smile, Avon does the only stupid but noble act of his life. Surrounded, he brings up his gun. . . A lone character learns, adapts, and changes for the better in a single, explosive moment"
Frankly, apart from endless other reasons, he simply didn't have time for all this...
This is a book that is unlikely to be read by anyone other than fans, and it is important that they are satisfied by accuracy, even if they disagree with the critical viewpoint. The author might consider employing a fan(atic) as proof reader should he ever embark on a similar project. Perhaps he could also consider using filmed instead of lensed? It was interesting the first time, but tedious from then on.
Try Liberation by Alan Stevens and Fiona Moore. This has the possible drawback that it is written by fans and may lack detachment, but it is accurate, and some of the theories are thought provoking if occasionally off the wall!!
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Only the Gods Decide
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*Amazon: £9.08
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Customer Reviews
Better than Blake, 16 Dec 2007
This is a fun book and I must say that I enjoyed reading it very much.I think the author must have written it without very much help from an editor. It could do with some "tidying up". Talking of his parents he writes "Val married Gwen in August 1939. In September, Hitler invaded Poland".
No connection, I hope.
This book is published by Big Finish, a company that seems to specialise in fan fiction (and audiovisuals) for cult TV programmes. Unsuprisingly, a lot of the book is devoted to Blake's in which Mr Darrow gave such a memorable performance as Avon. Watching some of the DVDs recently I'd forgotton what a great characterisation it is. Even when he is not delivering his waspy lines, his eyes flash and he will look unsmilingly at the other actors or fail completely to deliver the little social graces and acknowledgements that allow us all to rub along. He is pathologically controlled and controlling and it is all there in the performance, for example in the way his arms are often held tightly to his sides, in his quick movements, and in his habit of sometimes smiling unexpectedly, more usually to himself than other people. I wanted to know more about this actor; why haven't we seen more of him since?
To that though, there is no answer. Acting is a fickle business it seems. A few familiar faces keep poping up in all sort of work while others, often it seems no less talented, languish or get stuck in interminable touring productions or provincial rep.
If you can put up with the horrible type setting of this book (tiny, crowded print, no proper gutters) you will find a very lively (and I'm sorry but the stereotype about actors is true, so at times slightly bitchy) account of acting in the strata below the Judi Dench's and Ian McKellan's of this world and of making Science Fiction TV in the 1970s.
Never less than entertaining, 19 Sep 2007
Parts of this book had me howling with laughter; most of it kept a smile on my face, not least the Blakes 7 quotations which head every chapter. Mr Darrow is unfailingly generous about the many well-known names he delights in dropping throughout the book. He has obviously enjoyed his career! I must mention one chapter above all: The Plain Man's Guide To Alien Invasion is without doubt the funniest and most penetrating episode guide to B7 ever written. A gem
"You know you're safe with me !", 12 Aug 2007
For those who only know Paul Darrow as Avon, his cold and calculating Blake character, this book will be pleasant surprise. It is well written and the humour is of a far warmer sort than Avon's bleak wit. Blake's 7 does take up a lot of space (that's the sort of Darrow-esque pun found throughout this tome) but as Avon is by far the author's most famous role, and most of the readers will be fans of the show, then this is understandable. There is however plenty of non-Blake material here too; from his childhood through to his early acting career, and then his life since that most famous of Butch Cassidy style endings that has to be one of the best television finales ever whether you like science fiction or not. Whether or not you are a fan of Blake's 7 this book will surely keep your attention throughout, it's easy to read and even hints at a second volume. I thoroughly recommend it to all.
A SLIGHTLY RAMBLING TALE OF AN ACTORS LIFE., 22 Jan 2007
I have admired Paul Darrow since he played and is best know for Kerr Avon in Blakes 7. This book charts Pauls life from childhood to time at a Public School and then on to a military college during the 1950's. Then when he decides to take up acting full time much to the surprise of his Father. His big break came when he was accepted for the part of Avon in B7 and he has never looked back since. I do get the feeling that as he has never let the part go , neither has the general acting world. And he can't get past that time of the huge success as Avon which has limited his further career. This is a very funny book and Paul pulls no punches as he describes his life but as ever focuses to much on B7. We still learn next to nothing about his wife Janet Lees Price and his later work. And worst of all he seems to ramble with the narrative which makes it very hard to follow. There are some nice press photo's and some of Paul during his childhood to round it all off. This book does fail on some levels but overall it's a very good buy indeed.
Avon's Still Calling, 18 Jul 2006
This book is a must for anyone who remembers the BBC's sci-fi series "Blake's 7" and spent the late '70s and early '80s wanting to a) be Kerr Avon or b) sleep with Kerr Avon. Paul Darrow's latest book not only offers a retrospective look at his career to date, but provides fans with an insider's view of what it was like to be part of B7. Some readers might find the often wandering narrative frustrating, others - particularly those who have met Paul and have enjoyed listening to his anecdotes - are more likely to find it endearing. If you have even a passing interest in B7, this book is worth a read... amongst other gems it contains what may be the funniest plot synopsis of "The Keeper" EVER.
blake's all new seven part three, 08 Aug 2008
third in a series of audio plays that is an all new version of blake's seven, the popular old bbc science fiction show. this is a remake/slight reimaging with an all new cast. and a few new characters.
each of these cd's runs for roughly sixty minutes and is divided into twelve tracks. this is because it was originally broadcast on the internet as twelve short episodes but they all flow together smoothly here.
the story continues on from earlier cd's rebel and traitor, and it's best to hear them first in order to pick up what's going on.
and there's a lot of that. rebellion is brewing on blake's ship, and the federation are setting traps to catch him. can he survive both, and the bigger danger that awaits....
be aware this does end on a huge cliffhanger and there's unfortunately no sign of any continuation ahoy. but what a cliffhanger it is! and this release also contains an excellent bonus disc of extras. most audios that do that just have audio interviews with cast and crew but this does it visually and that makes them all the more better.
a great return for blake's seven and an excellent audio series
blakes all new seven, 08 Aug 2008
an audio play based on the popular bbc tv series of the 70's-80's blakes seven, about freedom fighters in a spaceship fighting a tyrannical government that rules lots of worlds in the relatively near future.
this is an all new version of the show. best described as a remake/slight reimagining with an all new cast.
the federation rule earth and all the worlds humanity has colonised. but roj blake, political activist and thorn in their side, has crossed them one too many times. deported to a penal colony on trumped up charges with several criminals, salvation arrives when he and some of the criminals get to take over an abandoned alien spaceship. the fight back can begin. even though not all the crew may share blake's enthusiasm for it.
this is the first of three audios telling this story. it runs for roughly sixty minutes. this was originally broadcast over the internet in twelve short episodes of roughly five to six minutes each, and they are combined here. each episode takes up a track and thus each ends on a cliffhanger, but they all flow together seamlessly enough and you'll barely notice the jumps.
story and acting wise this is pretty good. it does take a little while, if you're used to the original show, to get used to the new cast and their takes on the characters, but they all do rather well. especially those playing avon and blake and servalan.
it's slightly different from the original in that there's no cally.
a good start for this project. which will make you eager to hear the rest. the story continues on the cd blake's seven the audio adventures: traitor
Pity, I was looking forward to this...., 17 Oct 2007
A friend bought this book for me, and delivered it with the words "I don't know why you read these things - you're bound to know more than they do." In this case he was right.
I am an avid fan of Blake's 7, and was interested to read a serious critical review, rather than an analysis penned by fans. It is true that we fans are generally able to recognise flaws, mistakes, inconsistencies and discontinuities. We do not subscribe to some myth that the series was in any way perfect, but I was keen to read something written by someone with a good grounding in sci fi, and a degree of detachment. My problem with this book is that it is inaccurate, and, on occasion, the author bases his theories on misconceptions. Although to the non-enthusiast the fact that we are told several times that Cally died on the Liberator (demonstrably not true), may seem trivial, it is intensely irritating. Similarly, the author seems not to be able to recognise guns in the hands of women. In Rumours of Death, Anna Grant is killed by Avon because she betrayed him (actually she was quicker on the draw, if not on the trigger, and would have killed him). In Power Avon murders Pella (a woman who the author suggests would have made a good ally) in cold blood (she was armed and firing at him). The former mistake is important in that the author projects forward from this episode to the final denouement, and while betrayal is a common theme, the killings are under quite different circumstances, and this leads to flawed assumptions about, and analysis of a leading character.
Oh yes, and the writer of the splendid "Assassin" in Season 4 was Rod Beacham, not Rod Beachman - inexcusable, really.
I have the impression that the author watched the early episodes with far greater attention that the later ones, or perhaps his analyses of later episodes were written more from memory.
His views are interesting, and I enjoyed the analysis of series one and two, but had to force myself to read the second half of the book, such became my irritation. This was a pity as the author has some very interesting ideas. Unfortunately he skims over some major issues, and occasional episodes get only a cursory review.
Finally the finale - the author, like so many before him, propounds his theory as to what lay behind the freeze frame smile - odd, and not remotely believable. I have heard any number of ideas about this, and they generally centre around irony, and occasionally defiance, not this convoluted messianic nonsense.
"When Avon smiles at the conclusion of Blake,' he is amused because he is the butt of a cosmic joke. Avon, the one who trusts nobody, will die because he should have trusted Blake. . . . Avon's last act is completely heroic and idealistic. He protects Blake's body from the storm troopers, and realizes that Blake's way was the only way. He learns that the only way to win is with ideals, honor and ideas, not with rationality and cold logic. With a last smile, Avon does the only stupid but noble act of his life. Surrounded, he brings up his gun. . . A lone character learns, adapts, and changes for the better in a single, explosive moment"
Frankly, apart from endless other reasons, he simply didn't have time for all this...
This is a book that is unlikely to be read by anyone other than fans, and it is important that they are satisfied by accuracy, even if they disagree with the critical viewpoint. The author might consider employing a fan(atic) as proof reader should he ever embark on a similar project. Perhaps he could also consider using filmed instead of lensed? It was interesting the first time, but tedious from then on.
Try Liberation by Alan Stevens and Fiona Moore. This has the possible drawback that it is written by fans and may lack detachment, but it is accurate, and some of the theories are thought provoking if occasionally off the wall!!
blakes all new seven part two, 08 Aug 2008
an audio play that is based on the popular bbc tv series blakes seven. this is a remake/slight reimagining of the original, telling the story from the start again with an all new cast. and some new characters.
this is the second in three such releases, the first being called rebel, and you could possibly pick this up if you've not heard that but I would recommend starting with it to get more out of the story.
by now you should be used to the new cast giving their take on familiar characters, and they come into their own even more here.
as with the previous volume the cd runs for roughly an hour, and is split into twelve tracks. this is because it was originally broadcast on the internet as twelve mini episodes, so each track does have a bit of a cliffhanger ending but they all flow together smoothly when you listen.
story wise this isn't quite as strong as rebel, and does rather exist to set things up for future developments. but it's well worth sticking with. and the third volume, liberator, is even better.
blakes all new seven. it's different, and it's good.
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Customer Reviews
Better than Blake, 16 Dec 2007
This is a fun book and I must say that I enjoyed reading it very much.I think the author must have written it without very much help from an editor. It could do with some "tidying up". Talking of his parents he writes "Val married Gwen in August 1939. In September, Hitler invaded Poland".
No connection, I hope.
This book is published by Big Finish, a company that seems to specialise in fan fiction (and audiovisuals) for cult TV programmes. Unsuprisingly, a lot of the book is devoted to Blake's in which Mr Darrow gave such a memorable performance as Avon. Watching some of the DVDs recently I'd forgotton what a great characterisation it is. Even when he is not delivering his waspy lines, his eyes flash and he will look unsmilingly at the other actors or fail completely to deliver the little social graces and acknowledgements that allow us all to rub along. He is pathologically controlled and controlling and it is all there in the performance, for example in the way his arms are often held tightly to his sides, in his quick movements, and in his habit of sometimes smiling unexpectedly, more usually to himself than other people. I wanted to know more about this actor; why haven't we seen more of him since?
To that though, there is no answer. Acting is a fickle business it seems. A few familiar faces keep poping up in all sort of work while others, often it seems no less talented, languish or get stuck in interminable touring productions or provincial rep.
If you can put up with the horrible type setting of this book (tiny, crowded print, no proper gutters) you will find a very lively (and I'm sorry but the stereotype about actors is true, so at times slightly bitchy) account of acting in the strata below the Judi Dench's and Ian McKellan's of this world and of making Science Fiction TV in the 1970s.
Never less than entertaining, 19 Sep 2007
Parts of this book had me howling with laughter; most of it kept a smile on my face, not least the Blakes 7 quotations which head every chapter. Mr Darrow is unfailingly generous about the many well-known names he delights in dropping throughout the book. He has obviously enjoyed his career! I must mention one chapter above all: The Plain Man's Guide To Alien Invasion is without doubt the funniest and most penetrating episode guide to B7 ever written. A gem
"You know you're safe with me !", 12 Aug 2007
For those who only know Paul Darrow as Avon, his cold and calculating Blake character, this book will be pleasant surprise. It is well written and the humour is of a far warmer sort than Avon's bleak wit. Blake's 7 does take up a lot of space (that's the sort of Darrow-esque pun found throughout this tome) but as Avon is by far the author's most famous role, and most of the readers will be fans of the show, then this is understandable. There is however plenty of non-Blake material here too; from his childhood through to his early acting career, and then his life since that most famous of Butch Cassidy style endings that has to be one of the best television finales ever whether you like science fiction or not. Whether or not you are a fan of Blake's 7 this book will surely keep your attention throughout, it's easy to read and even hints at a second volume. I thoroughly recommend it to all.
A SLIGHTLY RAMBLING TALE OF AN ACTORS LIFE., 22 Jan 2007
I have admired Paul Darrow since he played and is best know for Kerr Avon in Blakes 7. This book charts Pauls life from childhood to time at a Public School and then on to a military college during the 1950's. Then when he decides to take up acting full time much to the surprise of his Father. His big break came when he was accepted for the part of Avon in B7 and he has never looked back since. I do get the feeling that as he has never let the part go , neither has the general acting world. And he can't get past that time of the huge success as Avon which has limited his further career. This is a very funny book and Paul pulls no punches as he describes his life but as ever focuses to much on B7. We still learn next to nothing about his wife Janet Lees Price and his later work. And worst of all he seems to ramble with the narrative which makes it very hard to follow. There are some nice press photo's and some of Paul during his childhood to round it all off. This book does fail on some levels but overall it's a very good buy indeed.
Avon's Still Calling, 18 Jul 2006
This book is a must for anyone who remembers the BBC's sci-fi series "Blake's 7" and spent the late '70s and early '80s wanting to a) be Kerr Avon or b) sleep with Kerr Avon. Paul Darrow's latest book not only offers a retrospective look at his career to date, but provides fans with an insider's view of what it was like to be part of B7. Some readers might find the often wandering narrative frustrating, others - particularly those who have met Paul and have enjoyed listening to his anecdotes - are more likely to find it endearing. If you have even a passing interest in B7, this book is worth a read... amongst other gems it contains what may be the funniest plot synopsis of "The Keeper" EVER.
blake's all new seven part three, 08 Aug 2008
third in a series of audio plays that is an all new version of blake's seven, the popular old bbc science fiction show. this is a remake/slight reimaging with an all new cast. and a few new characters.
each of these cd's runs for roughly sixty minutes and is divided into twelve tracks. this is because it was originally broadcast on the internet as twelve short episodes but they all flow together smoothly here.
the story continues on from earlier cd's rebel and traitor, and it's best to hear them first in order to pick up what's going on.
and there's a lot of that. rebellion is brewing on blake's ship, and the federation are setting traps to catch him. can he survive both, and the bigger danger that awaits....
be aware this does end on a huge cliffhanger and there's unfortunately no sign of any continuation ahoy. but what a cliffhanger it is! and this release also contains an excellent bonus disc of extras. most audios that do that just have audio interviews with cast and crew but this does it visually and that makes them all the more better.
a great return for blake's seven and an excellent audio series
blakes all new seven, 08 Aug 2008
an audio play based on the popular bbc tv series of the 70's-80's blakes seven, about freedom fighters in a spaceship fighting a tyrannical government that rules lots of worlds in the relatively near future.
this is an all new version of the show. best described as a remake/slight reimagining with an all new cast.
the federation rule earth and all the worlds humanity has colonised. but roj blake, political activist and thorn in their side, has crossed them one too many times. deported to a penal colony on trumped up charges with several criminals, salvation arrives when he and some of the criminals get to take over an abandoned alien spaceship. the fight back can begin. even though not all the crew may share blake's enthusiasm for it.
this is the first of three audios telling this story. it runs for roughly sixty minutes. this was originally broadcast over the internet in twelve short episodes of roughly five to six minutes each, and they are combined here. each episode takes up a track and thus each ends on a cliffhanger, but they all flow together seamlessly enough and you'll barely notice the jumps.
story and acting wise this is pretty good. it does take a little while, if you're used to the original show, to get used to the new cast and their takes on the characters, but they all do rather well. especially those playing avon and blake and servalan.
it's slightly different from the original in that there's no cally.
a good start for this project. which will make you eager to hear the rest. the story continues on the cd blake's seven the audio adventures: traitor
Pity, I was looking forward to this...., 17 Oct 2007
A friend bought this book for me, and delivered it with the words "I don't know why you read these things - you're bound to know more than they do." In this case he was right.
I am an avid fan of Blake's 7, and was interested to read a serious critical review, rather than an analysis penned by fans. It is true that we fans are generally able to recognise flaws, mistakes, inconsistencies and discontinuities. We do not subscribe to some myth that the series was in any way perfect, but I was keen to read something written by someone with a good grounding in sci fi, and a degree of detachment. My problem with this book is that it is inaccurate, and, on occasion, the author bases his theories on misconceptions. Although to the non-enthusiast the fact that we are told several times that Cally died on the Liberator (demonstrably not true), may seem trivial, it is intensely irritating. Similarly, the author seems not to be able to recognise guns in the hands of women. In Rumours of Death, Anna Grant is killed by Avon because she betrayed him (actually she was quicker on the draw, if not on the trigger, and would have killed him). In Power Avon murders Pella (a woman who the author suggests would have made a good ally) in cold blood (she was armed and firing at him). The former mistake is important in that the author projects forward from this episode to the final denouement, and while betrayal is a common theme, the killings are under quite different circumstances, and this leads to flawed assumptions about, and analysis of a leading character.
Oh yes, and the writer of the splendid "Assassin" in Season 4 was Rod Beacham, not Rod Beachman - inexcusable, really.
I have the impression that the author watched the early episodes with far greater attention that the later ones, or perhaps his analyses of later episodes were written more from memory.
His views are interesting, and I enjoyed the analysis of series one and two, but had to force myself to read the second half of the book, such became my irritation. This was a pity as the author has some very interesting ideas. Unfortunately he skims over some major issues, and occasional episodes get only a cursory review.
Finally the finale - the author, like so many before him, propounds his theory as to what lay behind the freeze frame smile - odd, and not remotely believable. I have heard any number of ideas about this, and they generally centre around irony, and occasionally defiance, not this convoluted messianic nonsense.
"When Avon smiles at the conclusion of Blake,' he is amused because he is the butt of a cosmic joke. Avon, the one who trusts nobody, will die because he should have trusted Blake. . . . Avon's last act is completely heroic and idealistic. He protects Blake's body from the storm troopers, and realizes that Blake's way was the only way. He learns that the only way to win is with ideals, honor and ideas, not with rationality and cold logic. With a last smile, Avon does the only stupid but noble act of his life. Surrounded, he brings up his gun. . . A lone character learns, adapts, and changes for the better in a single, explosive moment"
Frankly, apart from endless other reasons, he simply didn't have time for all this...
This is a book that is unlikely to be read by anyone other than fans, and it is important that they are satisfied by accuracy, even if they disagree with the critical viewpoint. The author might consider employing a fan(atic) as proof reader should he ever embark on a similar project. Perhaps he could also consider using filmed instead of lensed? It was interesting the first time, but tedious from then on.
Try Liberation by Alan Stevens and Fiona Moore. This has the possible drawback that it is written by fans and may lack detachment, but it is accurate, and some of the theories are thought provoking if occasionally off the wall!!
blakes all new seven part two, 08 Aug 2008
an audio play that is based on the popular bbc tv series blakes seven. this is a remake/slight reimagining of the original, telling the story from the start again with an all new cast. and some new characters.
this is the second in three such releases, the first being called rebel, and you could possibly pick this up if you've not heard that but I would recommend starting with it to get more out of the story.
by now you should be used to the new cast giving their take on familiar characters, and they come into their own even more here.
as with the previous volume the cd runs for roughly an hour, and is split into twelve tracks. this is because it was originally broadcast on the internet as twelve mini episodes, so each track does have a bit of a cliffhanger ending but they all flow together smoothly when you listen.
story wise this isn't quite as strong as rebel, and does rather exist to set things up for future developments. but it's well worth sticking with. and the third volume, liberator, is even better.
blakes all new seven. it's different, and it's good.
blake's all new seven part three, 08 Aug 2008
third in a series of audio plays that is an all new version of blake's seven, the popular old bbc science fiction show. this is a remake/slight reimaging with an all new cast. and a few new characters.
each of these cd's runs for roughly sixty minutes and is divided into twelve tracks. this is because it was originally broadcast on the internet as twelve short episodes but they all flow together smoothly here.
the story continues on from earlier cd's rebel and traitor, and it's best to hear them first in order to pick up what's going on.
and there's a lot of that. rebellion is brewing on blake's ship, and the federation are setting traps to catch him. can he survive both, and the bigger danger that awaits....
be aware this does end on a huge cliffhanger and there's unfortunately no sign of any continuation ahoy. but what a cliffhanger it is! and this release also contains an excellent bonus disc of extras. most audios that do that just have audio interviews with cast and crew but this does it visually and that makes them all the more better.
a great return for blake's seven and an excellent audio series
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Customer Reviews
Better than Blake, 16 Dec 2007
This is a fun book and I must say that I enjoyed reading it very much.I think the author must have written it without very much help from an editor. It could do with some "tidying up". Talking of his parents he writes "Val married Gwen in August 1939. In September, Hitler invaded Poland".
No connection, I hope.
This book is published by Big Finish, a company that seems to specialise in fan fiction (and audiovisuals) for cult TV programmes. Unsuprisingly, a lot of the book is devoted to Blake's in which Mr Darrow gave such a memorable performance as Avon. Watching some of the DVDs recently I'd forgotton what a great characterisation it is. Even when he is not delivering his waspy lines, his eyes flash and he will look unsmilingly at the other actors or fail completely to deliver the little social graces and acknowledgements that allow us all to rub along. He is pathologically controlled and controlling and it is all there in the performance, for example in the way his arms are often held tightly to his sides, in his quick movements, and in his habit of sometimes smiling unexpectedly, more usually to himself than other people. I wanted to know more about this actor; why haven't we seen more of him since?
To that though, there is no answer. Acting is a fickle business it seems. A few familiar faces keep poping up in all sort of work while others, often it seems no less talented, languish or get stuck in interminable touring productions or provincial rep.
If you can put up with the horrible type setting of this book (tiny, crowded print, no proper gutters) you will find a very lively (and I'm sorry but the stereotype about actors is true, so at times slightly bitchy) account of acting in the strata below the Judi Dench's and Ian McKellan's of this world and of making Science Fiction TV in the 1970s.
Never less than entertaining, 19 Sep 2007
Parts of this book had me howling with laughter; most of it kept a smile on my face, not least the Blakes 7 quotations which head every chapter. Mr Darrow is unfailingly generous about the many well-known names he delights in dropping throughout the book. He has obviously enjoyed his career! I must mention one chapter above all: The Plain Man's Guide To Alien Invasion is without doubt the funniest and most penetrating episode guide to B7 ever written. A gem
"You know you're safe with me !", 12 Aug 2007
For those who only know Paul Darrow as Avon, his cold and calculating Blake character, this book will be pleasant surprise. It is well written and the humour is of a far warmer sort than Avon's bleak wit. Blake's 7 does take up a lot of space (that's the sort of Darrow-esque pun found throughout this tome) but as Avon is by far the author's most famous role, and most of the readers will be fans of the show, then this is understandable. There is however plenty of non-Blake material here too; from his childhood through to his early acting career, and then his life since that most famous of Butch Cassidy style endings that has to be one of the best television finales ever whether you like science fiction or not. Whether or not you are a fan of Blake's 7 this book will surely keep your attention throughout, it's easy to read and even hints at a second volume. I thoroughly recommend it to all.
A SLIGHTLY RAMBLING TALE OF AN ACTORS LIFE., 22 Jan 2007
I have admired Paul Darrow since he played and is best know for Kerr Avon in Blakes 7. This book charts Pauls life from childhood to time at a Public School and then on to a military college during the 1950's. Then when he decides to take up acting full time much to the surprise of his Father. His big break came when he was accepted for the part of Avon in B7 and he has never looked back since. I do get the feeling that as he has never let the part go , neither has the general acting world. And he can't get past that time of the huge success as Avon which has limited his further career. This is a very funny book and Paul pulls no punches as he describes his life but as ever focuses to much on B7. We still learn next to nothing about his wife Janet Lees Price and his later work. And worst of all he seems to ramble with the narrative which makes it very hard to follow. There are some nice press photo's and some of Paul during his childhood to round it all off. This book does fail on some levels but overall it's a very good buy indeed.
Avon's Still Calling, 18 Jul 2006
This book is a must for anyone who remembers the BBC's sci-fi series "Blake's 7" and spent the late '70s and early '80s wanting to a) be Kerr Avon or b) sleep with Kerr Avon. Paul Darrow's latest book not only offers a retrospective look at his career to date, but provides fans with an insider's view of what it was like to be part of B7. Some readers might find the often wandering narrative frustrating, others - particularly those who have met Paul and have enjoyed listening to his anecdotes - are more likely to find it endearing. If you have even a passing interest in B7, this book is worth a read... amongst other gems it contains what may be the funniest plot synopsis of "The Keeper" EVER.
blake's all new seven part three, 08 Aug 2008
third in a series of audio plays that is an all new version of blake's seven, the popular old bbc science fiction show. this is a remake/slight reimaging with an all new cast. and a few new characters.
each of these cd's runs for roughly sixty minutes and is divided into twelve tracks. this is because it was originally broadcast on the internet as twelve short episodes but they all flow together smoothly here.
the story continues on from earlier cd's rebel and traitor, and it's best to hear them first in order to pick up what's going on.
and there's a lot of that. rebellion is brewing on blake's ship, and the federation are setting traps to catch him. can he survive both, and the bigger danger that awaits....
be aware this does end on a huge cliffhanger and there's unfortunately no sign of any continuation ahoy. but what a cliffhanger it is! and this release also contains an excellent bonus disc of extras. most audios that do that just have audio interviews with cast and crew but this does it visually and that makes them all the more better.
a great return for blake's seven and an excellent audio series
blakes all new seven, 08 Aug 2008
an audio play based on the popular bbc tv series of the 70's-80's blakes seven, about freedom fighters in a spaceship fighting a tyrannical government that rules lots of worlds in the relatively near future.
this is an all new version of the show. best described as a remake/slight reimagining with an all new cast.
the federation rule earth and all the worlds humanity has colonised. but roj blake, political activist and thorn in their side, has crossed them one too many times. deported to a penal colony on trumped up charges with several criminals, salvation arrives when he and some of the criminals get to take over an abandoned alien spaceship. the fight back can begin. even though not all the crew may share blake's enthusiasm for it.
this is the first of three audios telling this story. it runs for roughly sixty minutes. this was originally broadcast over the internet in twelve short episodes of roughly five to six minutes each, and they are combined here. each episode takes up a track and thus each ends on a cliffhanger, but they all flow together seamlessly enough and you'll barely notice the jumps.
story and acting wise this is pretty good. it does take a little while, if you're used to the original show, to get used to the new cast and their takes on the characters, but they all do rather well. especially those playing avon and blake and servalan.
it's slightly different from the original in that there's no cally.
a good start for this project. which will make you eager to hear the rest. the story continues on the cd blake's seven the audio adventures: traitor
Pity, I was looking forward to this...., 17 Oct 2007
A friend bought this book for me, and delivered it with the words "I don't know why you read these things - you're bound to know more than they do." In this case he was right.
I am an avid fan of Blake's 7, and was interested to read a serious critical review, rather than an analysis penned by fans. It is true that we fans are generally able to recognise flaws, mistakes, inconsistencies and discontinuities. We do not subscribe to some myth that the series was in any way perfect, but I was keen to read something written by someone with a good grounding in sci fi, and a degree of detachment. My problem with this book is that it is inaccurate, and, on occasion, the author bases his theories on misconceptions. Although to the non-enthusiast the fact that we are told several times that Cally died on the Liberator (demonstrably not true), may seem trivial, it is intensely irritating. Similarly, the author seems not to be able to recognise guns in the hands of women. In Rumours of Death, Anna Grant is killed by Avon because she betrayed him (actually she was quicker on the draw, if not on the trigger, and would have killed him). In Power Avon murders Pella (a woman who the author suggests would have made a good ally) in cold blood (she was armed and firing at him). The former mistake is important in that the author projects forward from this episode to the final denouement, and while betrayal is a common theme, the killings are under quite different circumstances, and this leads to flawed assumptions about, and analysis of a leading character.
Oh yes, and the writer of the splendid "Assassin" in Season 4 was Rod Beacham, not Rod Beachman - inexcusable, really.
I have the impression that the author watched the early episodes with far greater attention that the later ones, or perhaps his analyses of later episodes were written more from memory.
His views are interesting, and I enjoyed the analysis of series one and two, but had to force myself to read the second half of the book, such became my irritation. This was a pity as the author has some very interesting ideas. Unfortunately he skims over some major issues, and occasional episodes get only a cursory review.
Finally the finale - the author, like so many before him, propounds his theory as to what lay behind the freeze frame smile - odd, and not remotely believable. I have heard any number of ideas about this, and they generally centre around irony, and occasionally defiance, not this convoluted messianic nonsense.
"When Avon smiles at the conclusion of Blake,' he is amused because he is the butt of a cosmic joke. Avon, the one who trusts nobody, will die because he should have trusted Blake. . . . Avon's last act is completely heroic and idealistic. He protects Blake's body from the storm troopers, and realizes that Blake's way was the only way. He learns that the only way to win is with ideals, honor and ideas, not with rationality and cold logic. With a last smile, Avon does the only stupid but noble act of his life. Surrounded, he brings up his gun. . . A lone character learns, adapts, and changes for the better in a single, explosive moment"
Frankly, apart from endless other reasons, he simply didn't have time for all this...
This is a book that is unlikely to be read by anyone other than fans, and it is important that they are satisfied by accuracy, even if they disagree with the critical viewpoint. The author might consider employing a fan(atic) as proof reader should he ever embark on a similar project. Perhaps he could also consider using filmed instead of lensed? It was interesting the first time, but tedious from then on.
Try Liberation by Alan Stevens and Fiona Moore. This has the possible drawback that it is written by fans and may lack detachment, but it is accurate, and some of the theories are thought provoking if occasionally off the wall!!
blakes all new seven part two, 08 Aug 2008
an audio play that is based on the popular bbc tv series blakes seven. this is a remake/slight reimagining of the original, telling the story from the start again with an all new cast. and some new characters.
this is the second in three such releases, the first being called rebel, and you could possibly pick this up if you've not heard that but I would recommend starting with it to get more out of the story.
by now you should be used to the new cast giving their take on familiar characters, and they come into their own even more here.
as with the previous volume the cd runs for roughly an hour, and is split into twelve tracks. this is because it was originally broadcast on the internet as twelve mini episodes, so each track does have a bit of a cliffhanger ending but they all flow together smoothly when you listen.
story wise this isn't quite as strong as rebel, and does rather exist to set things up for future developments. but it's well worth sticking with. and the third volume, liberator, is even better.
blakes all new seven. it's different, and it's good.
blake's all new seven part three, 08 Aug 2008
third in a series of audio plays that is an all new version of blake's seven, the popular old bbc science fiction show. this is a remake/slight reimaging with an all new cast. and a few new characters.
each of these cd's runs for roughly sixty minutes and is divided into twelve tracks. this is because it was originally broadcast on the internet as twelve short episodes but they all flow together smoothly here.
the story continues on from earlier cd's rebel and traitor, and it's best to hear them first in order to pick up what's going on.
and there's a lot of that. rebellion is brewing on blake's ship, and the federation are setting traps to catch him. can he survive both, and the bigger danger that awaits....
be aware this does end on a huge cliffhanger and there's unfortunately no sign of any continuation ahoy. but what a cliffhanger it is! and this release also contains an excellent bonus disc of extras. most audios that do that just have audio interviews with cast and crew but this does it visually and that makes them all the more better.
a great return for blake's seven and an excellent audio series
blake's all new seven part three, 08 Aug 2008
third in a series of audio plays that is an all new version of blake's seven, the popular old bbc science fiction show. this is a remake/slight reimaging with an all new cast. and a few new characters.
each of these cd's runs for roughly sixty minutes and is divided into twelve tracks. this is because it was originally broadcast on the internet as twelve short episodes but they all flow together smoothly here.
the story continues on from earlier cd's rebel and traitor, and it's best to hear them first in order to pick up what's going on.
and there's a lot of that. rebellion is brewing on blake's ship, and the federation are setting traps to catch him. can he survive both, and the bigger danger that awaits....
be aware this does end on a huge cliffhanger and there's unfortunately no sign of any continuation ahoy. but what a cliffhanger it is! and this release also contains an excellent bonus disc of extras. most audios that do that just have audio interviews with cast and crew but this does it visually and that makes them all the more better.
a great return for blake's seven and an excellent audio series
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