Sci Fi TV Reboots that Should Happen: Blake’s 7 (1978)

Sci Fi TV Reboots that Should Happen: Reboots are all the rage mostly because the entertainment industry prefers name recognition over original ideas. But there are some properties that truly deserve a do-over because they didn’t quite achieve their goal the first time around or because they were cut short.  This column takes a look at those shows.

What Is It?

Seven hundred years in the future, the authoritarian Terran Federation has taken control of much of the known galaxy. Former rebel Roj Blake had his memories wiped, but his spirit of resistance is reignited when he witnesses a mass slaughter by police that is subsequently covered up. He is framed by the government and sent away on a prison ship, but he and several other convicts escape and commandeer a powerful alien vessel that they name the Liberator. They then become a resistance force against the Federation and inspire others to stand up against its totalitarian rule.

Aired 1978-81, 4 Seasons Totaling 52 Episodes

Starring: Gareth Thomas, Michael Keating, Sally Knyvette, Paul Darrow, David Jackson, Peter Tuddenham, Jan Chappell, Jacqueline Pearce

Created By: Terry Nation

Where Did the Original Fail?

While Blake’s 7 has developed a reputation as a notable sci-fi TV entry, the fact is that it has not stood the test of time. It had some good stories and interesting characters, but the budget was so low (making Doctor Who episodes of the same era look like big-dollar productions) that it is almost unwatchable due to the horrid special effects. And even if you watch the version with the updated CGI, the poor production values still come through. The cardboard sets, stilted direction, and stiff acting cannot be covered up with a few modern-day retouches.

At times, the show descends into bad camp, making it almost seem like a parody of the genre.  And then its rather grim ending did not provide much in the way of resolution. The original Blake’s 7 definitely had plenty of spirit, and its impact cannot be disregarded, but ultimately it is far too cheesy and not an easy one to sit through. (You can read more about the show at Cult-SciFi.com)

Why Reboot It?

When it comes to reboots, sci-fi fans generally have a distaste for retreading older properties to do a modern update. But Blake’s 7 is one of those shows that stands as a perfect candidate for that sort of treatment. With current sfx technology, this show could receive a proper remake that would introduce it to a whole new generation of fans. And if that were to happen, it would be best to follow the spirit of the original as closely as possible while also resisting the urge to venture into CGI overload (something the current Trek shows are quite guilty of).

It would be hard to replace the original cast, but it could be done with a careful screening process. Paul Darrow once had an idea that would have seen an aged Avon passing on the torch to a new set of rebels, essentially giving us Blake’s 7: The Next Generation, that approach could work by carrying on the story while still respecting the original. Sadly, he has since passed away, making it difficult to follow through on those plans, and perhaps a ground-up reboot would make the most sense.

Something was in the works at Syfy in the 2010s, with Joe Pokaski (Heroes) and Martin Campbell (Green Lantern) attached, but it never moved forward. There have since been renewed talks of a reboot or revival, but nothing substantial has materialized yet. With the new Blu-ray releases, however, the original series should be getting more attention, and maybe that will help revive interest in bringing a new version of Blake’s 7 back to the small screen.

Where Can You Watch It?

The entire series has been released on DVD, but in PAL format only, which is not compatible with U.S. players. The first and second seasons have finally been released in the States on Blu-ray , and those newly remastered with the option of watching the episodes with updated special effects. It is not currently streaming on any of the major services, but you can buy it VOD from places like Amazon.com.

Would you tune in for a reboot of Blake’s 7, or is that one best relegated to the past? Chime in with your thoughts in the comments section below.

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