History of Blakes 7

• • Blake's 7: A Summary of Its Final Season** As Blake's 7 approached its conclusion, the series aimed for a grand and dramatic exit. Gareth Thomas reprised his role as the titular character under the condition that Blake would meet an irreversible demise, ensuring a fittingly tragic end. The show experienced notable cast changes. Jan Chappell departed her role as Cally, leaving behind a void filled by the introduction of Soolin, portrayed by Glynis Barber. Additionally, Jacqueline Pearce returned as Servalan, now known under a pseudonym, adding depth to the narrative's political intrigue. Production shifted toward a darker, more gritty aesthetic with the introduction of the Scorpio spacecraft, designed to be functional and less glamorous than its predecessor, the Liberator. This new vessel, created by Jim Francis and Ron Thornton, aimed for realism and ease in filming. The writing team saw both familiar and new contributors, adapting scenes due to cast availability. Notably, Cally's role was reimagined for Soolin, with early scripts adjusted accordingly. The series also faced creative challenges, such as the removal of a poignant scene in "Orbit" deemed too intense for family audiences. Filming began in 1981 at Pyrton Hill and encountered technical hurdles, particularly during the complex visual effects for Blake's death scene, which Thomas insisted be graphic to emphasize his character's demise. This decision shocked director Mary Ridge but underscored the series' commitment to dramatic impact. The final season premiered on September 28, 1981, competing against popular shows like Coronation Street and Bullseye. It attracted an ...