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blakes7-d Digest Volume 00 : Issue 67
Today's Topics:
[B7L] First Impressions: "Time Squad"
RE: [B7L] First Impressions: "Time Squad"
Re: [B7L] First Impressions: "Time Squad"
Re: [B7L] First Impressions: "Time Squad"
[B7L] Re: First Impressions: "Time Squad"
[B7L] Hello again
Re: [B7L] Re: First Impressions: "Time Squad"
Re: [B7L] Darkheart website
Re: [B7L] First Impressions: "Time Squad"
Re: [B7L] No particular reason
Re: [B7L] Episode Reviews
Re: [B7L] Crossword clues
Re: [B7L] First Impressions: "Time Squad"
Re: [B7L] Re: First Impressions: "Time Squad"
Re: [B7L] Re: First Impressions: "Time Squad"
Re: [B7L] First Impressions: "Time Squad"
[B7L] Re: complexity of character
Re: [B7L] Crossword clues
Re: [B7L] First Impressions: "Time Squad"
Re: [B7L] First Impressions: "Time Squad"
Re: [B7L] Crossword clues
Re: [B7L] Crossword clues
Re: [B7L] First Impressions: "Time Squad"
Re: [B7L] First Impressions: "Time Squad"
Re: [B7L] Darkheart website
Re: [B7L] Darkheart website
Re: [B7L] Crossword clues
Re: [B7L] Re: First Impressions: "Time Squad"
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 12 Mar 2000 11:46:05 -0000
From: "Ariana" <ariana@ndirect.co.uk>
To: "b7" <blakes7@lysator.liu.se>,
"Judith Proctor" <Judith@blakes-7.demon.co.uk>
Subject: [B7L] First Impressions: "Time Squad"
Message-ID: <001f01bf8c18$a83ae900$37ed07c3@ariana>
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Strictly speaking, this isn't a "first impression"; as it happens, I already
saw this episode on UK Gold some time ago. I must admit I remembered very
little of it, though.
On the whole, I liked this a lot better than last week's episode. But
perhaps that's just because Brian Blessed wasn't in it. ;)
I notice that the last two episodes follow a formula typical of modern Trek:
division into A-plot and B-plot. I suppose this is inevitable when you have
a numerous cast and want to make good use of all of them in an episode. At
this point in the series in particular, it's important to give every
character some airtime so that we get to know them.
So on the one hand, we have the cryogenically-frozen aliens, and on the
other, the destruction of the base on Saurian Major (and the whole of the
planet from the look of things). I thought this was an interesting mix,
because while the latter fits in with the main purpose of Blake's mission --
rebel attacks against Federation interests -- the former is a more classical
sci-fi plot about dangerous aliens.
One could argue that Blake's decision to respond to the alien's distress
call shows that he does care about more than the rebellion. He's basically a
Decent Bloke who does the Right Thing when the opportunity presents itself.
An unknown ship sends out a distress call and he rushes to rescue it,
commenting "We don't have much option then, do we?". I'm sure that, had Avon
or Vila been around, he would have been offered plenty of options. In fact,
I'm rather surprised that Vila is the only one who objects in the next
scene, though I have a theory why this is. I just hope that Blake's interest
in passing aliens won't escalate to the level of, say, Captain Janeway's
obsession with investigating various CGI nebulae. It wouldn't do that
rebellion of his much good. <g>
The cramped alien vessel was an interesting idea, and reasonable considering
the circumstances. I suppose I'd be showing what an anorak I am if I
mentioned wondering how the transporter got Blake and Jenna to bend over in
mid-transport so that they would fit in the vessel. (BTW, for American
readers, an 'anorak' is a waterproof jacket Brits wear a lot, particularly
pathetic Get-A-Life types who nitpick sci-fi shows ;).
While the aliens themselves were not exactly well-rounded individuals, I
thought their role in giving Jenna and Gan a hard time was well done. It was
of course reminiscent of any number of horror and sci-fi movies, but Jenna
backing around that cargo hold with a very worried look managed to build the
tension nicely. And amazingly, she didn't scream. Or if she did, her
generally-competent handling of the situation erased it from my memory. As I
mentioned before, these scenes were also Gan's opportunity to shine and
flesh out his character. And I can see Zen's lack of cooperation being a
problem in future episodes.
Considering they took place in the Gravel Pit and some local factory, I
thought the planetside scenes were also surprisingly effective. The filtered
lighting gave the landscape an alien feel, and I loved the idea of the
carnivorous plants (not to mention Avon's reaction when Blake casually
mentions them just as he reaches to touch one).
Cally's appearance was suitably dramatic, too. I must say I liked Blake's
"What the--" exclamation as she kicked him down the gravel pit. A very human
reaction. I did think Blake outwitted Cally a bit too easily when he got her
gun away from her. Or more to the point, the moment was just a bit too slow
to be effective.
OTOH, I'm probably used to the faster pace of modern shows; I also found the
first scene rather stilted. Avon's repartees in particular seemed
belaboured, though it might just be a teething problem in the show. But in
spite of the slowness and technobabble, I did appreciate the bit where Jenna
was teaching Blake to pilot the ship, as it shows that Our Heroes are humans
who need to learn to use things. Another reminder of the humanity of the
crew was the scene where Jenna discovers the alien vessel. Blake snoozing on
the couch was a very nice touch indeed.
Well, I seem to have drifted off plot points and into character points, so I
might as well section it off...
Character stuff:
================
>From a "getting to know you" point of view, Gan and Cally are the winners in
this ep. Gan might have got the girl last week, but this week, he got a
life... and a fair share of the action, too. We learn about his "woman" and
the limiter implanted in his head; the latter being a plot point which not
only stops him from killing the aliens, but also makes him the first to
notice a possible pattern in Zen's behaviour.
This episode is also when we get to meet Cally for the first time. I gather
from my boyfriend's excitement at her appearance that she was popular with
boys his age at the time (he was about 12 when B7 first aired). I'll admit
that my man's enthusiasm makes it difficult to be impartial, but I think I'm
going to like Cally. She looks intelligent and it seems her recklessness and
combat abilities will complement Blake's team quite nicely.
So we now have a full team: Blake the leader, Jenna the pilot, Vila the
doorman, Gan the heavy, Cally the hot-head, Zen the computer, Avon the tech
wiz and... um, Avon the super-pilot?
Quite a lot was made of Avon's achievement in bringing the pod on board the
Liberator, in particular with Vila's reference to his hands. I suppose this
is to point out his meticulousness, and also to show that for all his
poo-pooing of Blake's ideals, he is prepared to put himself through quite a
lot to make sure the fellow is all right. Despite his studied calm, Avon is
rubbing his hands repetitively before starting the manoeuvre, and is visibly
relieved -- and exhausted -- when it's over. Last week, he was ready to
leave Blake on Cygnus Alpha, but this week, he seems more inclined to make a
considerable effort for Blake's sake. He didn't even protest at the idea of
changing their course to save some unknown aliens in the first place.
Maybe being snapped at earlier in the episode has given Avon more respect
for Blake. He certainly looked very surprised when Blake told him to shut
up, even though his stunned silence didn't last long. Avon is probably the
kind of fellow who likes to test the limits of the people he encounters, and
will only respect and admire those who aren't intimidated by his barrage of
ascerbic wit. Although Blake's "Enough, Avon!" isn't very diplomatic, I
think it's the right way to handle him. It won't prevent Avon from sloshing
verbal vitriol on any of Blake's projects, but I think it could mark the
beginning of a change of his attitude towards his de facto boss.
His attitude towards Jenna, OTOH, is completely unchanged. That was some
dirty look he threw her when she thanked him!
Talking about Jenna. It's a bit early in my acquaintance with the show to be
backing any party of "shippers", but I'd say that Blake and Jenna get on
very well and don't look particularly platonic. I suppose I got that
impression from the way she jumped into his arms last week, and held his
hand in the alien vessel this week. OTOH, I'm a great one for noticing the
"subtext" that gives rise to so much fanfic. Even if that subtext is very
sub indeed -- I'll spare you some of the other thoughts I had. ;)
Nitpicks and Preposterous Props:
================================
The little hatch in the rear section of the alien ship is a converted
letterbox. Still pretty ominous when fingers are pushing through it!
When Jenna and Blake ask Zen to show them the alien vessel, all he displays
is a close-up of Jenna's console. Blake obviously isn't fully awake yet, but
you'd think Jenna would notice...
Jenna's injury somehow moved to her arm after she was hit in the back with
the sort of plastic wrench I had as a toddler. Still, Gan managed to repair
it with a blotter painted white with Lego bits stuck on the top, so it's OK.
(And ST's Bones *did* use a salt-shaker, so medical wonders never cease in
the future)
I don't suppose anyone missed the picnic hamper Blake's team took with them
to that factory, so I'll just say my parents had a very similar one and
leave things at that. The Federation installation itself seemed to be some
kind of refinery or processing plant, all very familiar-looking (though
having been built by the Federation, there's no reason why it shouldn't be).
At least it boasted a more sturdy door than the one Jenna was wrestling with
in the cargo hold. :)
I know I mentioned the "show, don't tell" rule last week, but maybe telling
is a better idea in B7 after all. Any "exterior shot" that involved the
Liberator flying through space or Avon's manoeuvres to get the alien vessel
into the cargo hold looked absolutely awful. A pity, as Avon, Vila and Gan
were really acting their socks off to tell us what was happening in that
scene.
Dialogue Gems:
==============
JENNA: Together we can fly this ship manually.
GAN: I think we make a good team.
AVON: Well, hurray for us.
======
JENNA: We've lost them.
VILA: So much for federation pursuit ships.
GAN: At least we know we can outrun them.
VILA: Outrun them? In this we can out stroll them.
======
BLAKE: Up until now we've only been a minor irritation to the
Federation. I think it's about time we hurt them.
JENNA: I don't like the sound of that.
AVON: Neither do I. I thought it was agreed we wouldn't do anything
without discussing it thoroughly.
BLAKE: True. It was also agreed that anybody could opt out at any time.
Just tell me when you want to leave.
AVON: Oh, I will. But in the meantime I think we have a right to know
what it is you're planning.
BLAKE: Zen, set a course for Saurian Major, speed standard by two.
ZEN: Speed and course confirmed.
AVON: That falls a little short of my idea of a thorough discussion.
======
BLAKE: They've built a vast transceiver complex there. All Federation
signals and navigation controls are beamed into Saurian Major,
boosted and redirected. It's a vital nerve center in the
Federation space control system. Destroy that, and you blind,
deafen and silence them. That's what we're going to do.
AVON: A blow for freedom.
GAN: Yes, our freedom. For a clever man you're not very bright. Deaf,
dumb and blind how are they going to catch us?
AVON: I'm sure Blake will manage it somehow.
[[Miaow! <g>]]
======
BLAKE: He's taking his time.
JENNA: It's a delicate maneuver. He'll get there.
BLAKE: I'm breathless with anticipation.
JENNA (laughs)
[[She *must* be going out with him!]]
======
BLAKE: There'd be no point in going back. The world they left would
be dead years ago.
AVON: No sign of any weapons. In fact there isn't much equipment at
all. Either they were headed for a civilized destination where
they expected a friendly reception or ... we are missing the point
entirely.
[[Not for the dialogue, but just the delivery and that sinister, cheery
smile that accompanies Avon back to the cryogenic capsules. My boyfriend and
I were ROFL.]]
======
BLAKE: Some species even have an intelligence rating.
VILA: That's a comfort. I should hate to be eaten by something stupid.
======
CALLY: May you die alone and silent.
[[Now there's a scary curse. It's on the lines of one of my
great-grandmother's Irish curses: "May all your teeth drop out, save two
that don't meet".]]
======
VILA: I plan to live forever. Or die trying.
======
BLAKE (closing door) Avon, can you do it?
AVON (crouching near control panel) Five minutes. (pause) I know. Make
it two.
[[He evidently thinks he's on the Enterprise :) ]]
Miscellaneous:
==============
This episode is the second time Avon threatens to reprogram Zen. He does
refrain from throwing any weapons around, so maybe *that* was merely an
idiosyncracy limited to last week's episode.
I couldn't help it; the minute Blake said "Saurian Major", the word "brandy"
sprang to mind. ;) I've definitely watched too much Star Trek. In the same
vein, I can't be the first person to notice that the TNG Federation's logo
is the B7 Federation's logo tilted upright.
Since footwear came up last time, I noticed that Jenna is wearing a pair of
high-heeled boots that put DS9's Major Kira's to shame. She was also wearing
a pair of dolled-up Levi's, but at least that beat the painter's smock Avon
was lumbered with.
Comments and discussion welcome!
Ariana
======
"I plan to live forever. Or die trying."
Vila in "Time Squad"
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 12 Mar 2000 14:27:34 +0100
From: Jacqueline Thijsen <jacqueline.thijsen@cmg.nl>
To: b7 <blakes7@lysator.liu.se>
Subject: RE: [B7L] First Impressions: "Time Squad"
Message-ID: <39DCDDFD014ED21185C300104BB3F99FD0F899@NL-ARN-MAIL01>
Content-Type: text/plain;
charset="iso-8859-1"
I have been enjoying these first impressions quite a bit. So far I haven't
reacted, because it would basically have been a 'me too' posting. However,
this time my favorite scene was missing from the funny scenes part (and that
really was a good selection): the bit where Vila practically shoves Avon
aside calling him 'Fingers' and telling him 'computers are yours, doors are
mine.' And Avon lets him get away with it, too!
I'm looking forward to reading your impressions of "The Web". It may not
have been the greatest episode (although I like it quite a bit) but there
are some really funny bits in that one, too.
Jacqueline
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 12 Mar 2000 09:01:14 -0500 (EST)
From: sjk3@cornell.edu
To: blakes7@lysator.liu.se
Subject: Re: [B7L] First Impressions: "Time Squad"
Message-ID: <Pine.SOL.3.91.1000312085856.10723B-100000@travelers.mail.cornell.edu>
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII
<large amount of very nice comments snipped.
> I couldn't help it; the minute Blake said "Saurian Major", the word "brandy"
> sprang to mind. ;) I've definitely watched too much Star Trek. In the same
> vein, I can't be the first person to notice that the TNG Federation's logo
> is the B7 Federation's logo tilted upright.
>
> Ariana
And both bear a remarkable resemblance to NASA's "meatball" logo (now
that they've gone back to it and gotten rid of the "worm" logo).
Sandra Kisner
sjk3@cornell.edu
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 12 Mar 2000 15:00:51 -0000
From: "Una McCormack" <una@q-research.connectfree.co.uk>
To: "b7" <blakes7@lysator.liu.se>
Subject: Re: [B7L] First Impressions: "Time Squad"
Message-ID: <12f701bf8c37$f86c99e0$0d01a8c0@hedge>
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Ariana wrote:
> Cally's appearance was suitably dramatic, too. I must say I liked Blake's
> "What the--" exclamation as she kicked him down the gravel pit. A very
human
> reaction. I did think Blake outwitted Cally a bit too easily when he got
her
> gun away from her. Or more to the point, the moment was just a bit too
slow
> to be effective.
Cally's really disconcerting in this first scene; her not talking and moving
very suddenly are really unnerving. But tricking her with the old 'look in a
different direction' trick is slightly irritating.
> I couldn't help it; the minute Blake said "Saurian Major", the word
"brandy"
> sprang to mind. ;)
:)
> In the same
> vein, I can't be the first person to notice that the TNG Federation's logo
> is the B7 Federation's logo tilted upright.
It all makes sense when you think about it; or, rather, if you think about
it too long.
> Since footwear came up last time, I noticed that Jenna is wearing a pair
of
> high-heeled boots that put DS9's Major Kira's to shame. She was also
wearing
> a pair of dolled-up Levi's, but at least that beat the painter's smock
Avon
> was lumbered with.
Dreadful cozzies this episode. Jenna's purple velour jeans are just
revolting, and this is, without a single doubt, Avon's very worst costume. I
quite like Cally's fatigues, tho'.
Una
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 12 Mar 2000 17:26:44 +0000 (GMT)
From: Judith Proctor <Judith@blakes-7.com>
To: Lysator List <Blakes7@lysator.liu.se>
Subject: [B7L] Re: First Impressions: "Time Squad"
Message-ID: <Marcel-1.46-0312172644-965Rr9i@blakes-7.demon.co.uk>
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; CHARSET=US-ASCII
On Sun 12 Mar, Ariana wrote:
>
> The cramped alien vessel was an interesting idea, and reasonable considering
> the circumstances. I suppose I'd be showing what an anorak I am if I
> mentioned wondering how the transporter got Blake and Jenna to bend over in
> mid-transport so that they would fit in the vessel. (BTW, for American
> readers, an 'anorak' is a waterproof jacket Brits wear a lot, particularly
> pathetic Get-A-Life types who nitpick sci-fi shows ;).
Real anoraks know which other episodes they used the same ship in (under a
different guise) <grin>. (Deliverance and Countdown if I recall correctly)
>
> While the aliens themselves were not exactly well-rounded individuals, I
> thought their role in giving Jenna and Gan a hard time was well done. It was
> of course reminiscent of any number of horror and sci-fi movies, but Jenna
> backing around that cargo hold with a very worried look managed to build the
> tension nicely. And amazingly, she didn't scream.
B7 women aren't the screaming type - they'd never have made it on Dr Who.
>
> OTOH, I'm probably used to the faster pace of modern shows; I also found the
> first scene rather stilted. Avon's repartees in particular seemed
> belaboured, though it might just be a teething problem in the show.
The location filming on Time Squad was actually the very first bit of the series
to be shot - I believe it's because they wanted to involve Jan Chappell (Cally)
right from the start.
>
> Quite a lot was made of Avon's achievement in bringing the pod on board the
> Liberator, in particular with Vila's reference to his hands. I suppose this
> is to point out his meticulousness, and also to show that for all his
> poo-pooing of Blake's ideals, he is prepared to put himself through quite a
> lot to make sure the fellow is all right. Despite his studied calm, Avon is
> rubbing his hands repetitively before starting the manoeuvre, and is visibly
> relieved -- and exhausted -- when it's over. Last week, he was ready to
> leave Blake on Cygnus Alpha, but this week, he seems more inclined to make a
> considerable effort for Blake's sake.
So true <grin> So very very true. And next week's episodes picks up on this
too.
What Avon says and what Avon does differer enormously and understanding this is
really the key to understanding my favourite character.
>
> Maybe being snapped at earlier in the episode has given Avon more respect
> for Blake. He certainly looked very surprised when Blake told him to shut
> up, even though his stunned silence didn't last long. Avon is probably the
> kind of fellow who likes to test the limits of the people he encounters, and
> will only respect and admire those who aren't intimidated by his barrage of
> ascerbic wit. Although Blake's "Enough, Avon!" isn't very diplomatic, I
> think it's the right way to handle him. It won't prevent Avon from sloshing
> verbal vitriol on any of Blake's projects, but I think it could mark the
> beginning of a change of his attitude towards his de facto boss.
I agree with most of that. I would also say that I think Avon is fascinated to
find someone who actually believes in something to the point where he is willing
to lay his life on the line for it. I see Avon as trying very hard to test
Blake's belief, becasue as long as Blake is true to his beliefs, Avon can't
avoid his own increasing fascination with Blake.
I tend to see it as being rather like an athiest flirting with religion. You
don't want it to be true, but when someone else is really convinced, it tends to
be contagious. Thus, you try and persuade them there is no God before they can
convince you that there is.
>
> Talking about Jenna. It's a bit early in my acquaintance with the show to be
> backing any party of "shippers", but I'd say that Blake and Jenna get on
> very well and don't look particularly platonic. I suppose I got that
> impression from the way she jumped into his arms last week, and held his
> hand in the alien vessel this week.
I see it as platonic, though I didn't always. Partly because I have one or two
male platonic friends whom I would hug that way. Partly becasue I asked Gareth
Thomas about it once and he painted a fairly convincing argument for it being
platonic becasue he felt that Blake was too dedicated to his Cause to commit to
a full relationship with Jenna (and wouldn't have felt it fair to Jenna either).
>OTOH, I'm a great one for noticing the "subtext" that gives rise to so much
>fanfic. Even if that subtext is very sub indeed -- I'll spare you some of the
>other thoughts I had. ;)
ah <grin> Blake's 7 has such wonderful subtexts. They make such wonderful
fanfic too.
>
> I don't suppose anyone missed the picnic hamper Blake's team took with them
> to that factory, so I'll just say my parents had a very similar one and
> leave things at that. The Federation installation itself seemed to be some
> kind of refinery or processing plant, all very familiar-looking (though
> having been built by the Federation, there's no reason why it shouldn't be).
> At least it boasted a more sturdy door than the one Jenna was wrestling with
> in the cargo hold. :)
If you're interested, I keep a list of locations on my website. Nuclear power
plants were popular... In fact, this was one of the three episodes filmed at
Oldbury power station. I went round there with my local fan club earlier this
year and it was very interesting.
We'll probably organise another location trip at some point. If we do, other
people are welcome to come along.
>
> BLAKE: He's taking his time.
> JENNA: It's a delicate maneuver. He'll get there.
> BLAKE: I'm breathless with anticipation.
You know, I actually didn't get that joke the first time I saw the episode. It
was one of my slow days... It was only on a better brain day that I saw the
obvious.
> BLAKE: Some species even have an intelligence rating.
> VILA: That's a comfort. I should hate to be eaten by something stupid.
Much of the best dialogue was written by Chris Boucher, the script editor. I
don't know if this was one of his, but it has that ring.
>
> BLAKE (closing door) Avon, can you do it?
> AVON (crouching near control panel) Five minutes. (pause) I know. Make
> it two.
>
> [[He evidently thinks he's on the Enterprise :) ]]
Nah <grin> he realises the audience think he's on the Enterprise.
> Since footwear came up last time, I noticed that Jenna is wearing a pair of
> high-heeled boots that put DS9's Major Kira's to shame. She was also wearing
> a pair of dolled-up Levi's, but at least that beat the painter's smock Avon
> was lumbered with.
Just wait until Avon discovers black leather...
Judith
--
http://www.hermit.org/Blakes7 - Fanzines for Blake's 7, B7 Filk songs,
pictures, news, Conventions past and present, Blake's 7 fan clubs, Gareth
Thomas, etc. (also non-Blake's 7 zines at http://www.nas.com/~lknight )
Redemption '01 23-25 Feb 2001 http://www.smof.com/redemption/
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 12 Mar 2000 17:30:23 +0000 (GMT)
From: Judith Proctor <Judith@blakes-7.com>
To: Lysator List <Blakes7@lysator.liu.se>
Subject: [B7L] Hello again
Message-ID: <Marcel-1.46-0312173023-c72Rr9i@blakes-7.demon.co.uk>
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; CHARSET=US-ASCII
Hi,
The fingers have eased up a bit, so I'm back on the Lyst for a while and I'll
see how I hold up. Besides, I met up with some of the Redemption committee on
Saturday and it gave me a yearning for things fannish.
Please note that I've changed my e-mail address (in the light of all these new
cheap web schemes, it seemed sense to get an address that I could take with me
if I end up swopping ISPs several times).
Judith@Blakes-7.com
I've been making some progress on the new zines while I've been off-list.
They're both about half full now, so if you want to send me either a gen story
or an adult/slash story, then I'll be glad to see them.
JUdith
--
http://www.hermit.org/Blakes7 - Fanzines for Blake's 7, B7 Filk songs,
pictures, news, Conventions past and present, Blake's 7 fan clubs, Gareth
Thomas, etc. (also non-Blake's 7 zines at http://www.nas.com/~lknight )
Redemption '01 23-25 Feb 2001 http://www.smof.com/redemption/
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 12 Mar 2000 18:34:22 -0000
From: "Una McCormack" <una@q-research.connectfree.co.uk>
To: "Lysator List" <Blakes7@lysator.liu.se>
Subject: Re: [B7L] Re: First Impressions: "Time Squad"
Message-ID: <138501bf8c51$97d8ca30$0d01a8c0@hedge>
Content-Type: text/plain;
charset="iso-8859-1"
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
Judith wrote:
> The location filming on Time Squad was actually the very first bit of the
series
> to be shot - I believe it's because they wanted to involve Jan Chappell
(Cally)
> right from the start.
Well, you live and learn. I didn't know that. I believe it was pretty common
practice at the Beeb to do this (could be common practice in TV production
in general - dunno). I gather that Peter Davison's new season started with
them making 'Four to Doomsday' first rather than 'Castrovalva' (first story
transmitted). I think part of the idea is also that it allows the actors to
get into their roles so that they're more comfortable and do better
performances when they're making the first episode of something (which is,
of course, the first thing that an audience sees). You don't want your
audiences seeing the 'warming up' bits first and not bothering with the
second episode.
Una
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 12 Mar 2000 06:44:55 -0000
From: "Neil Faulkner" <N.Faulkner@tesco.net>
To: "b7" <blakes7@lysator.liu.se>
Subject: Re: [B7L] Darkheart website
Message-ID: <000f01bf8c54$f383b5e0$e535fea9@neilfaulkner>
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Pat wrote:
> I didn't see them. They do not exist. I shall not mention the P word.
> The mind of Neil is far, far scarier than his site, scarier even than
> screen capture.
Even scarier are the implications opened up by this fresh evidence on the
making of the series.
What does it tell us about the Blake/Avon relationship? Was their mutual
invective against each other a product of animosity, or - as some fans
persist in deluding themselves -a mutual attraction that neither dared
admit? Or were they merely venting their unassuageable terror of something
that neither could bring themselves to name?
Avon's attraction to Cally - did it really have the romantic undertones that
we might like to ascribe to it? Or did he realise that she and she alone
could resist the inevitable? (If so, no wonder he went to pieces in the 4th
Season.)
Anyone who's been to a convention will know that things never run according
to plan. Haven't you ever wondered *why*?
And Una McCormack - her shortness of stature, her regular visits to New
Zealand, her fondness for piranhas. Are these mere coincidence, or has she
*sold her mortal soul to the Forces of Darkness?*
Pat, for your own sake, do not blind yourself to reality. *They exist.*
> P.S. Has Servalan got her legs on *backwards*???
This is not impossible. It might be a distraction, to stop us thinking that
beneath her dainty shoes her feet are .... *webbed*.
> And is that the Blair Witch she's flirting with?
> It's certainly no p***pffftttt
What makes you think the two must be inseparable? And it *is* a p******, to
be precise a Snare's Island P****** - cavorting with Servalan! What further
proof does anyone need?
> I will *not* say the p word.
That's the spirit! While there's life there's hope.
> A mind is a terrible thing to waste.
It was all in a good cause...
Neil
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 12 Mar 2000 20:02:03 -0000
From: "Julie Horner" <jihorner@dial.pipex.com>
To: <blakes7@lysator.liu.se>
Subject: Re: [B7L] First Impressions: "Time Squad"
Message-ID: <002b01bf8c5d$ee064a20$648fbc3e@orac>
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From: "Ariana" <ariana@ndirect.co.uk>
> One could argue that Blake's decision to respond to
> the alien's distress call shows that he does care about
> more than the rebellion. He's basically a
> Decent Bloke who does the Right Thing when the
> opportunity presents itself. An unknown ship sends
> out a distress call and he rushes to rescue it,
> commenting "We don't have much option then, do we>
Throughout the series, the general acceptance that one should
really answer distress calls (OK, they sometimes are a bit
circumspect but they always check it out) makes me wonder
whether this is part of accepted space etiquette. A bit like
when driving one always pulls to the side to let an ambulance
or fire engine past. Maybe it is in the deep space equivalent
of the highway code?
Just like to add that like everyone else I am thoroughly
enjoying the first impressions. Thanks
Julie Horner
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 12 Mar 2000 13:06:05 -0800
From: mistral@ptinet.net
To: B7 List <blakes7@lysator.liu.se>
Subject: Re: [B7L] No particular reason
Message-ID: <38CC06BC.B5D3C161@ptinet.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
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Sally Manton wrote:
A lovely post. All of it, though this one in particular made me laugh:
> <Travis II> had the look of a frustrated tiger whose personal physician had
> recommended a strict vegetarian diet....
Now this one:
> The flaw in all these ideas of yours is that <Avon> always seems to have a
> half-witted friend who is eager to place himself in the foulest positions on
> his behalf.
I rather think better fits Blake.
Mistral
--
"We all have something to hide, and we all have something to tell;
we all have a secret name; we all have a secret question--
one question that unlocks our heart."--Galen, 'Crusade'
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 12 Mar 2000 11:35:05 -0800
From: mistral@ptinet.net
To: B7 List <blakes7@lysator.liu.se>
Subject: Re: [B7L] Episode Reviews
Message-ID: <38CBF169.A47FE9F1@ptinet.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
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Neil Faulkner wrote:
> Alas, poor Misty, for 'twas she who wrote:
> > Michael, don't let Neil (or me, or anybody) discourage you from
> > pursuing your own style of fandom with great gusto. Cynics such
> > as some of us can be a little frightened by enthusiasm--it implies
> > that one actually cares. Cynicism is so much safer.
>
> A statement that rests on two assumptions:
> (a) I am somehow frightened of Michael.
> (b) I am a cynic.
Actually, no. If I had been making such a reference it would have
been that you were frightened of enthusiasm, not Michael. And if
I were necessarily referring to you, I would not have included the
phrase 'such as some of us'.
> Sadly, neither is true.
You are certainly the expert on that. However, I must say that in
the case of (b), you certainly give a creditable impersonation on
frequent occasions.
I do get the impression that you believe I was either intending to
criticize or contradict you. Not so; I agree materially with most of
what you said. It's just that I believe it would be more constructive
if it were phrased a little more positively. I'd prefer to have a little
less of 'lystians eat their young' going on, and a little more nurturing.
Possibly I'm alone in that, but I hope not.
Mistral
--
"We all have something to hide, and we all have something to tell;
we all have a secret name; we all have a secret question--
one question that unlocks our heart."--Galen, 'Crusade'
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 12 Mar 2000 11:40:10 -0800
From: mistral@ptinet.net
To: B7 List <blakes7@lysator.liu.se>
Subject: Re: [B7L] Crossword clues
Message-ID: <38CBF29A.A0753C03@ptinet.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
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Neil Faulkner wrote:
> 'A famous key' refers to the Bogart/Bacall movie Key Largo.
>
> So famous I hav never herd of it (Shut up at the back there, Molesworth I).
Really? Judging by the number of times it shows up in our pop culture,
it's Bogart's next most widely known movie after Casablanca. We even
have a pop song about it.
> > Biologist's failure leads to complaints continuing (7).
>
> Nope, I'm gonna have to give up on that one. I suspect there's an Og in it
> somewhere, though.
No Og. Franton; F + rant on.
Mistral
--
"We all have something to hide, and we all have something to tell;
we all have a secret name; we all have a secret question--
one question that unlocks our heart."--Galen, 'Crusade'
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 12 Mar 2000 18:38:34 +0000
From: Julia Jones <julia.lysator@jajones.demon.co.uk>
To: blakes7@lysator.liu.se
Subject: Re: [B7L] First Impressions: "Time Squad"
Message-ID: <c1Qk2EAqQ+y4EwoI@jajones.demon.co.uk>
In message <001f01bf8c18$a83ae900$37ed07c3@ariana>, Ariana
<ariana@ndirect.co.uk> writes
> OTOH, I'm a great one for noticing the
>"subtext" that gives rise to so much fanfic. Even if that subtext is very
>sub indeed -- I'll spare you some of the other thoughts I had. ;)
Oh, no you don't, not after tantalising us like that - The Other List is
that way ->
--
Julia Jones
"Don't philosophise with me, you electronic moron!"
The Turing test - as interpreted by Kerr Avon.
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 12 Mar 2000 18:42:23 +0000
From: Julia Jones <julia.lysator@jajones.demon.co.uk>
To: blakes7@lysator.liu.se
Cc: Lysator List <Blakes7@lysator.liu.se>
Subject: Re: [B7L] Re: First Impressions: "Time Squad"
Message-ID: <blpliKAPU+y4EwoH@jajones.demon.co.uk>
In message <Marcel-1.46-0312172644-965Rr9i@blakes-7.demon.co.uk>, Judith
Proctor <Judith@blakes-7.com> writes
>Just wait until Avon discovers black leather...
Or grey leather (probably my favourite outfit when considering an entire
outfit rather than just certain parts of it), or sliver leather, or dark
blue leather, or red leather...
--
Julia Jones
"Don't philosophise with me, you electronic moron!"
The Turing test - as interpreted by Kerr Avon.
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 13 Mar 2000 09:05:31 EST
From: "J MacQueen" <j_macqueen@hotmail.com>
To: blakes7@lysator.liu.se
Subject: Re: [B7L] Re: First Impressions: "Time Squad"
Message-ID: <20000312220531.91019.qmail@hotmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed
>From: Julia Jones <julia.lysator@jajones.demon.co.uk>
>or sliver leather
Julia, behave yourself!
Regards
Joanne
(Or stop zine editing, if it causes typos like that one!)
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Date: Mon, 13 Mar 2000 09:14:22 EST
From: "J MacQueen" <j_macqueen@hotmail.com>
To: blakes7@lysator.liu.se
Subject: Re: [B7L] First Impressions: "Time Squad"
Message-ID: <20000312221422.31623.qmail@hotmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed
>From: "Una McCormack" <una@q-research.connectfree.co.uk>
>and this is, without a single doubt, Avon's very worst costume.
No, no, no and no. Deathwatch. Deathwatch all the way. And may I remind you,
Una, that it's a very bad idea to remind me of that costume on a Monday
morning - completely spoils the day ahead, and has a depressing effect upon
the week. Oh no, the Time Squad costume is beautiful by comparison. Oh dear,
my head!
Regards
Joanne
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------------------------------
Date: Sun, 12 Mar 2000 17:13:51 -0500
From: Harriet Monkhouse <101637.2064@compuserve.com>
To: "INTERNET:blakes7@lysator.liu.se" <blakes7@lysator.liu.se>
Subject: [B7L] Re: complexity of character
Message-ID: <200003121714_MC2-9CC5-1A17@compuserve.com>
Content-Type: text/plain;
charset=ISO-8859-1
Content-Disposition: inline
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit
Andrew wrote:
>I've been meaning to put "Rontane & Bercol are Dead"
>down on paper for some time now...
Yes, yes, yes! Now, now, now!
Put it online, anyway.
Harriet
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 13 Mar 2000 09:20:17 EST
From: "J MacQueen" <j_macqueen@hotmail.com>
To: blakes7@lysator.liu.se
Subject: Re: [B7L] Crossword clues
Message-ID: <20000312222017.83670.qmail@hotmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed
>From: mistral@ptinet.net
>Really? Judging by the number of times it shows up in our pop culture,
>it's Bogart's next most widely known movie after Casablanca. We even
>have a pop song about it.
<much wailing and gnashing of teeth> If it isn't being reminded about a
particular costume, it's being reminded about some dreadful '80s song...
This is disgraceful, and I haven't even looked at that fresh horror from the
depths of Neil's brain as yet!
Regards
Joanne
(ruined, I tell you, the day is ruined!)
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------------------------------
Date: Sun, 12 Mar 2000 17:31:42 EST
From: Prmolloy@aol.com
To: blakes7@lysator.liu.se
Subject: Re: [B7L] First Impressions: "Time Squad"
Message-ID: <ad.16974dd.25fd74ce@aol.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
> One could argue that Blake's decision to respond to the alien's distress
call shows that he does care about more than the rebellion. He's basically a
Decent Bloke who does the Right Thing when the opportunity presents itself.
An unknown ship sends
> out a distress call and he rushes to rescue it, commenting "We don't have
much option then, do we>
> Throughout the series, the general acceptance that one should really
answer >distress calls (OK, they sometimes are a bit circumspect but they
always check it >out) makes me wonder whether this is part of accepted
space etiquette.
Actually it is naval tradition - any ship in the vicinity should respond to a
distress call. Nearly all of space etiquette is modeled on the seafaring
traditions.
Trish
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 13 Mar 2000 09:32:49 EST
From: "J MacQueen" <j_macqueen@hotmail.com>
To: blakes7@lysator.liu.se
Subject: Re: [B7L] First Impressions: "Time Squad"
Message-ID: <20000312223249.37850.qmail@hotmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed
>From: Tigerm1019@aol.com
>Death-Watch may have had one of Avon's worst costumes, but it also had one
>of
>Tarrant's best. But then, I think Tarrant looks better even in his worst
>costumes than Avon does in his best. ;-)
<grin> Carol, you impostor, what are you doing breaking into Tiger M's
account?
Regards
Joanne
(the Tarrant Nostra strike again, it seems)
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------------------------------
Date: Sun, 12 Mar 2000 15:26:01 -0800
From: mistral@ptinet.net
To: B7 List <blakes7@lysator.liu.se>
Subject: Re: [B7L] Crossword clues
Message-ID: <38CC2789.656BE616@ptinet.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
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Joanne wrote:
> <much wailing and gnashing of teeth> If it isn't being reminded about a
> particular costume, it's being reminded about some dreadful '80s song...
Picture this: Liberator's monthly talent night. Avon dressed in the
Deathwatch jacket, crooning to Dayna "Here's looking at you, kid..."
Mistral's evil twin
--
"We all have something to hide, and we all have something to tell;
we all have a secret name; we all have a secret question--
one question that unlocks our heart."--Galen, 'Crusade'
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 13 Mar 2000 19:29:37 EST
From: "J MacQueen" <j_macqueen@hotmail.com>
To: blakes7@lysator.liu.se
Subject: Re: [B7L] Crossword clues
Message-ID: <20000313082938.65265.qmail@hotmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed
>From: mistral@ptinet.net
>Joanne wrote:
> > <much wailing and gnashing of teeth> If it isn't being reminded about a
> > particular costume, it's being reminded about some dreadful '80s song...
>Picture this: Liberator's monthly talent night. Avon dressed in the
>Deathwatch jacket, crooning to Dayna "Here's looking at you, kid..."
>Mistral's evil twin
<wince> Very, very evil. And you are not ashamed of yourself at all, are
you?
Regards
Joanne
(hoping the nasty man will go away now, and let her get some work done...)
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------------------------------
Date: Sun, 12 Mar 2000 19:29:15 EST
From: Mac4781@aol.com
To: blakes7@lysator.liu.se
Subject: Re: [B7L] First Impressions: "Time Squad"
Message-ID: <75.231b6fc.25fd905b@aol.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
Jo Ann (quoting Tiger M... or a computer vandal) wrote:
> >Tarrant's best. But then, I think Tarrant looks better even in his worst
> >costumes than Avon does in his best. ;-)
>
> <grin> Carol, you impostor, what are you doing breaking into Tiger M's
> account?
Now, Jo Ann, you know me better than that. If it had been me, I'd have
somehow worked in that Tarrant looks better in a loincloth than Avon does in
his most flattering costume.
Now look at what you've done. You made me think about Tarrant in a
loincloth. And that started the drool flowing. There goes another keyboard.
Carol Mc
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 13 Mar 2000 21:02:32 EST
From: "J MacQueen" <j_macqueen@hotmail.com>
To: blakes7@lysator.liu.se
Subject: Re: [B7L] First Impressions: "Time Squad"
Message-ID: <20000313100232.8282.qmail@hotmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed
>From: Mac4781@aol.com
>Now look at what you've done. You made me think about Tarrant in a
>loincloth.
Tarrant in a loincloth = Tarzan. "Me Tarrant, you Soolin." Soolin draws gun.
The End.
But I am sorry that another of your keyboards is going to the great heap of
components in the sky. Even if I'm not sorry for the above...
Regards
Joanne
PS The really frightening thing, as television productions go, is the makeup
applied to the actor playing Lindsay Duncan's son in Oliver Twist. Makes him
look like Frankenstein's practice session. As if Lindsay Duncan herself
isn't frightening enough...
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------------------------------
Date: Mon, 13 Mar 2000 22:48:30 EST
From: "J MacQueen" <j_macqueen@hotmail.com>
To: blakes7@lysator.liu.se
Subject: Re: [B7L] Darkheart website
Message-ID: <20000313114831.5141.qmail@hotmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed
>From: "Neil Faulkner" <N.Faulkner@tesco.net>
>And Una McCormack - her shortness of stature, her regular visits to New
>Zealand, her fondness for piranhas.
Given a certain Doctor Who Magazine cartoon character, that should be
chocolate pilchards, surely?
Regards
Joanne
(mind wandering after lunch)
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------------------------------
Date: Sun, 12 Mar 2000 23:55:07 EST
From: Pherber@aol.com
To: blakes7@lysator.liu.se
Subject: Re: [B7L] Darkheart website
Message-ID: <34.270ed77.25fdceab@aol.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
In a message dated 3/12/00 11:47:35 AM Mountain Standard Time,
N.Faulkner@tesco.net writes:
<< Pat wrote:
> I didn't see them. They do not exist. I shall not mention the P word.
> The mind of Neil is far, far scarier than his site, scarier even than
> screen capture.
Neil replied:
Even scarier are the implications opened up by this fresh evidence on the
making of the series. >>
<shaking head> Oh dear. I thought this sort of thing was more in Steve's
arena - or does Steve draw the limit at mammals? <eg>
Nina
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 13 Mar 2000 00:13:57 EST
From: Pherber@aol.com
To: blakes7@lysator.liu.se
Subject: Re: [B7L] Crossword clues
Message-ID: <1a.12dc865.25fdd315@aol.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
In a message dated 3/12/00 4:19:11 PM Mountain Standard Time,
mistral@ptinet.net writes:
<< Picture this: Liberator's monthly talent night. Avon dressed in the
Deathwatch jacket, crooning to Dayna "Here's looking at you, kid..." >>
Aaagggggg! <choke> <shudder>
Nina
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 13 Mar 2000 00:13:59 EST
From: Pherber@aol.com
To: blakes7@lysator.liu.se
Subject: Re: [B7L] Re: First Impressions: "Time Squad"
Message-ID: <12.24719c3.25fdd317@aol.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
In a message dated 3/12/00 2:29:18 PM Mountain Standard Time,
julia.lysator@jajones.demon.co.uk writes:
<< Or grey leather (probably my favourite outfit when considering an entire
outfit rather than just certain parts of it), or sliver leather, or dark
blue leather, or red leather... >>
Do I detect a pattern here...? <eg> Why is it that we like him in leather so
much? It must be much harder to get him out of...oops, wrong List.
FWIW, I don't think his outfit in Time Squad is that bad - it's not
particularly flattering, just sort of ordinary. For *really* awful, wait for
the outfit in Deathwatch.
Nina
--------------------------------
End of blakes7-d Digest V00 Issue #67
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