From: blakes7-d-request@lysator.liu.se Subject: blakes7-d Digest V00 #6 X-Loop: blakes7-d@lysator.liu.se X-Mailing-List: archive/volume00/6 Precedence: list MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: multipart/digest; boundary="----------------------------" To: blakes7-d@lysator.liu.se Reply-To: blakes7@lysator.liu.se ------------------------------ Content-Type: text/plain blakes7-d Digest Volume 00 : Issue 6 Today's Topics: Re: [B7L] New archive interface Re: [B7L] New archive interface [B7L] Re: last tape [B7L] Josette Simon in Twelfth Night [B7L] Joanne's HG's [B7L] A Quickie Peek at A History & Critical Analysis... Re: [B7L] History & Critical Analysis . . . Re: [B7L] A Quickie Peek at A History & Critical Analysis... Re: [B7L] New archive interface Re: [B7L] New archive interface [B7L] Pat's zines ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 6 Jan 2000 20:07:27 -0000 From: "Neil Faulkner" To: "b7" Subject: Re: [B7L] New archive interface Message-ID: <000601bf593f$834c7160$be438cd4@default> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Calle wrote: >I've put together a new web-based interface to the mailing list >archives. Have a look at it at http://tezcatlipoca.algonet.se/cgi-bin/start.pl Evil Swedish bastard, getting me to run up my phone bill. It's a plot, isn't it. It's a dastardly scheme to bankrupt me. And I wouldn't mind betting Una had a hand in it. Mind you, the 'Is B7 SF?' thread was pretty damn interesting... Neil ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 7 Jan 2000 19:11:44 -0000 From: "Una McCormack" To: "b7" Subject: Re: [B7L] New archive interface Message-ID: <0afa01bf5943$17c54b70$0d01a8c0@hedge> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Neil wrote: > Evil Swedish bastard, getting me to run up my phone bill. > > It's a plot, isn't it. It's a dastardly scheme to bankrupt me. And I > wouldn't mind betting Una had a hand in it. You see only the tiniest fraction of my schemes, young Neil. However, you will never discern how it fits into my more general plan for global domination. Bwaha. Bwahahaha. Una ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 07 Jan 2000 19:42:26 +0000 From: Steve Rogerson To: blakes7@lysator.liu.se Subject: [B7L] Re: last tape Message-ID: <38764195.D7B29DC0@mcr1.poptel.org.uk> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; x-mac-type="54455854"; x-mac-creator="4D4F5353" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Una asked about a release date for the last B7 tape. according to Cult Times, it's out on 17 January. -- cheers Steve Rogerson http://homepages.poptel.org.uk/steve.rogerson "In my world, there are people in chains and you can ride them like ponies" The alternative Willow, Buffy the Vampire Slayer ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 7 Jan 2000 22:20:36 +0000 From: Nicola Collie To: Freedom City , Lysator Subject: [B7L] Josette Simon in Twelfth Night Message-Id: Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" While browsing in a record shop post-Christmas, I came across a set of new BBC radio recordings of various works of the Bard. One of these was Twelfth Night, featuring Josette Simon. It's available from http://www.bbcshop.com . I don't know which role she plays, but as she is pictured on the cover I imagine she is either Olivia or Viola. Nicola ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 07 Jan 2000 16:27:45 -0800 From: Susie Wright To: blakes7@lysator.liu.se Subject: [B7L] Joanne's HG's Message-ID: <38768481.68AFC2B2@home.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Hi Joanne, Silliness abounds over here....it's a lifestyle and a religion! :) Susie ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 07 Jan 2000 19:09:46 -0800 From: Susie Wright To: blakes7@lysator.liu.se Subject: [B7L] A Quickie Peek at A History & Critical Analysis... Message-ID: <3876AA7A.5CBCC0DF@home.com> Content-Type: multipart/alternative; boundary="------------60593CB2A8D164B0C338B15B" --------------60593CB2A8D164B0C338B15B Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit It's here and it's a little red book! Someone might have to start a drinking game to swig every time the word "provocative" shows up in the text! I'm tickled by Muir's argument in favor of the BBC's cheap sets adding to the overall "metaphor for a rotting Federation unable to sustain itself, rapidly squandering resources." Muir is obviously feeling great affection for B7. Muir says his purpose is to "examine the show in its historical context and document how later productions carried on its unique legacy." The intro is a mini bio of Terry Nation and the origins of the series with thumbnail resumes for the various directors, writers and cast members. The story of David Jackson's departure is in direct conflict with the telling by Joe Nazzaro and Sheelagh Wells in Blake's 7: The Inside Story. Interesting that Muir lists some guest actors for B7 as "genre veterans," but then some of the movies and television shows he cites as examples were made after B7. The main part of the book is a synopsis of each episode with commentary by Muir. He writes like a film student, analyzing the camera angles and shooting techniques and how they add to the storytelling. Muir considers B7 to be a "video novel." He likes to sprinkle in trivia about the guest cast, character names and parallels to other sci fi, both written and filmed. Muir raves over Paul Darrow's acting skills, even the fight scenes. (?!?!) (I'm as far as "Cygnus Alpha" and I must take a break soon. My daughter is sleeping in my lap, leaning on the arm that is holding the book. I'm typing with my other hand.) Toward the rear of the book, Muir mentions fan clubs and websites, including Horizon, Sue Clerc's B7 Pages (with details), Lysator B7 Archives (brief), Judith Proctor's B7 Pages (briefer), and a general nod to fan fiction. He lists the various media with B7 content (i.e.: comic books). Then Muir writes some essays: "The Jurassic Arc: Science Fiction Television's First Video Novel" "A Futuristic Robin Hood Myth" "The Anti-'Star Trek'" "Sex on the Liberator" "A Note on Special Effects and Cinematography" In the end Muir suggests a Hollywood remake of the series, using Terry Nation's original material. (Please, anywhere but Hollywood!) At a quick glance, Muir repeats his points many times. What was interesting the first time becomes a tad tedious by the tenth time, etc. Get the red pencil! I don't think there's much new for the true B7 fan, except perhaps for some gee whiz factoids about props. Anyone hoping for photos will be disappointed. Of the eight photos included, only one is B7-related (a promo shot with Sally, Gareth & Jan), the rest being shots of three regulars (Gareth, Paul & Glynis) and three guests (Brian Blessed, Isla Blair & Michael Gough) in other roles. That's seven photos you say. Well, there are two of Paul (Robin Hood, Hammer's House of Horrors). There are two drawings: the Liberator and the nine human heroes of all four seasons. (Daughter is up and snacking on Corn Pops and I have my left hand back...) I can make more specific comments on the analysis once I've read it. I'd like to mention to Una and any other "Animals" fans that Muir compares the episode to The Island of Dr. Moreau and the novel by Wells wins. "It is ironic that a novel written more than 70 years before Blake's 7 would have more to say about the morality of genetic engineering than a modern television series, but that is precisely the case. Because it sidesteps such provocative (that word again - take a swig!) issues in favor of a romance between mismatched lovers (and performers who lack any chemistry whatsoever), "Animals" may be one of Blake's 7 most notable failures. The issues of genetic engineering, slavery and morality were better handled in the complex first season entry "The Web" by Terry Nation. "Animals" covers the same ground, but without the complexity and moral shading." I knew Una would be curious so I included that bit and yes, I know there should be a 's after the 7 but that is Muir's error in punctuation. Get that red pencil again! Oy! Susie --------------60593CB2A8D164B0C338B15B Content-Type: text/html; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit It's here and it's a little red book!  Someone might have to start a drinking game to swig every time the word "provocative" shows up in the text!  I'm tickled by Muir's argument in favor of the BBC's cheap sets adding to the overall "metaphor for a rotting Federation unable to sustain itself, rapidly squandering resources."  Muir is obviously feeling great affection for B7.  Muir says his purpose is to "examine the show in its historical context and document how later productions carried on its unique legacy."

The intro is a mini bio of Terry Nation and the origins of the series with thumbnail resumes for the various directors, writers and cast members.  The story of David Jackson's departure is in direct conflict with the telling by Joe Nazzaro and Sheelagh Wells in Blake's 7: The Inside Story.  Interesting that Muir lists some guest actors for B7 as "genre veterans," but then some of the movies and television shows he cites as examples were made after B7.

The main part of the book is a synopsis of each episode with commentary by Muir.  He writes like a film student, analyzing the camera angles and shooting techniques and how they add to the storytelling.  Muir considers B7 to be a "video novel."  He likes to sprinkle in trivia about the guest cast, character names and parallels to other sci fi, both written and filmed.

Muir raves over Paul Darrow's acting skills, even the fight scenes.  (?!?!)

(I'm as far as "Cygnus Alpha" and I must take a break soon.  My daughter is sleeping in my lap, leaning on the arm that is holding the book.  I'm typing with my other hand.)

Toward the rear of the book, Muir mentions fan clubs and websites, including Horizon, Sue Clerc's B7 Pages (with details), Lysator B7 Archives (brief), Judith Proctor's B7 Pages (briefer), and a general nod to fan fiction.  He lists the various media with B7 content (i.e.: comic books).  Then Muir writes some essays:

"The Jurassic Arc: Science Fiction Television's First Video Novel"
"A Futuristic Robin Hood Myth"
"The Anti-'Star Trek'"
"Sex on the Liberator"
"A Note on Special Effects and Cinematography"

In the end Muir suggests a Hollywood remake of the series, using Terry Nation's original material.  (Please, anywhere but Hollywood!)

At a quick glance, Muir repeats his points many times.  What was interesting the first time becomes a tad tedious by the tenth time, etc.  Get the red pencil!  I don't think there's much new for the true B7 fan, except perhaps for some gee whiz factoids about props.  Anyone hoping for photos will be disappointed.  Of the eight photos included, only one is B7-related (a promo shot with Sally, Gareth & Jan), the rest being shots of three regulars (Gareth, Paul & Glynis) and three guests (Brian Blessed, Isla Blair & Michael Gough) in other roles.  That's seven photos you say.  Well, there are two of Paul (Robin Hood, Hammer's House of Horrors).  There are two drawings: the Liberator and the nine human heroes of all four seasons.

(Daughter is up and snacking on Corn Pops and I have my left hand back...)

I can make more specific comments on the analysis once I've read it.  I'd like to mention to Una and any other "Animals" fans that Muir compares the episode to The Island of Dr. Moreau and the novel by Wells wins.  "It is ironic that a novel written more than 70 years before Blake's 7 would have more to say about the morality of genetic engineering than a modern television series, but that is precisely the case.  Because it sidesteps such provocative (that word again - take a swig!) issues in favor of a romance between mismatched lovers (and performers who lack any chemistry whatsoever), "Animals" may be one of Blake's 7 most notable failures.  The issues of genetic engineering, slavery and morality were better handled in the complex first season entry "The Web" by Terry Nation.  "Animals" covers the same ground, but without the complexity and moral shading."  I knew Una would be curious so I included that bit and yes, I know there should be a 's after the 7 but that is Muir's error in punctuation.  Get that red pencil again!  Oy!

Susie --------------60593CB2A8D164B0C338B15B-- ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 8 Jan 2000 00:20:11 -0500 From: "Gary W" To: Subject: Re: [B7L] History & Critical Analysis . . . Message-ID: <003001bf5998$09a6f160$ba6ca7cc@garywilk> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit > > Has anyone looked at the just-published "A History and Critical Analysis > of Blake's > 7," by John Kenneth Muir? My copy just came, and before I > spray as-yet-uninformed > opinions all over the place, I'd like to hear > other people's reactions. > > No, but his Dr Who volume is dire, full of inaccuracies and very much just > a list of stuff that happens. I don't imagine the B7 one will be any better > I will start it this weekend. I agree with David's assessment of the Doctor Who edition, but I actually think the B7 edition might be a little better. A quick perusal didn't reveal any glaring mistakes. More as it happens.. :-) Gary ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 8 Jan 2000 15:13:02 -0000 From: "Una McCormack" To: Subject: Re: [B7L] A Quickie Peek at A History & Critical Analysis... Message-ID: <005701bf59ea$dce5f2e0$0d01a8c0@hedge> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Great review, Susie! I'm really looking forward to it, even if it's going to get my proofer's hackles rising. > I'm tickled by > Muir's argument in favor of the BBC's cheap sets adding to the overall "metaphor for > a rotting Federation unable to sustain itself, rapidly squandering resources." This being an accurate description of the BBC at the time, as well... > The story of David > Jackson's departure is in direct conflict with the telling by Joe Nazzaro and > Sheelagh Wells in Blake's 7: The Inside Story. How? > I can make more specific comments on the analysis once I've read it. I'd like to > mention to Una and any other "Animals" fans that Muir compares the episode to The > Island of Dr. Moreau and the novel by Wells wins. "It is ironic that a novel > written more than 70 years before Blake's 7 would have more to say about the > morality of genetic engineering than a modern television series, but that is > precisely the case. Because it sidesteps such provocative (that word again - take a > swig!) Hic... > issues in favor of a romance between mismatched lovers (and performers who > lack any chemistry whatsoever), "Animals" may be one of Blake's 7 most notable > failures. The issues of genetic engineering, slavery and morality were better > handled in the complex first season entry "The Web" Hah! > by Terry Nation. "Animals" > covers the same ground, but without the complexity and moral shading." I knew Una > would be curious so I included that bit I'm touched! :) Una ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 8 Jan 2000 12:15:34 EST From: Tigerm1019@aol.com To: blakes7@lysator.liu.se Subject: Re: [B7L] New archive interface Message-ID: <6c.6cbf9a97.25a8cab6@aol.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit In a message dated 01/07/2000 1:14:05 PM Central Standard Time, una@q-research.connectfree.co.uk writes: > However, you will never discern how it fits into my more general plan for > global domination. Bwaha. Bwahahaha. Una, why settle for just the world? Why not the universe? ;-) I'm sure Servalan would approve of your ambition, but you need to think bigger! Tiger M ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 8 Jan 2000 17:48:28 -0000 From: "Una McCormack" To: "lysator" Subject: Re: [B7L] New archive interface Message-ID: <001501bf5a00$944a4b60$0d01a8c0@hedge> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Tiger wondered: > In a message dated 01/07/2000 1:14:05 PM Central Standard Time, > una@q-research.connectfree.co.uk writes: > > > However, you will never discern how it fits into my more general plan for > > global domination. Bwaha. Bwahahaha. > > Una, why settle for just the world? Why not the universe? ;-) My plans are indeed grander than just dominating the world, but your puny minds are too weak to grasp their vastness. Bwaha etc. Una ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 8 Jan 2000 21:54:01 +0000 (GMT) From: Judith Proctor To: Lysator List cc: Freedom City Subject: [B7L] Pat's zines Message-ID: Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; CHARSET=US-ASCII Pat Fenech asked me to post this for her. She needs to clear some space. She says she's happy to give them away, but she's a sweet soul who's been ill a lot recently, so try and persuade her to take at least a small sum of money for them in addition to postage. There's some good zines there. I'd recommend Down and Unsafe to anyone, Judith Seaman writes 'suffering Avon' wonderfully (just don't read if you're a die-hard Blake fan), Horizon zines are always reliable (some of the best proof-read zines around), Avon (good stories, shame about the proof-reading sometimes). Fifth Season specialises in stories set after Gauda Prime and if often particularly strong on Dayna if I recall correctly. If you're Australian and haven't yet read any zines, take the plunge - you'll enjoy most of these. If you already read zines, then you won't need me to tell you. There are reviews of quite a few of these on my web site and contents lists for all of them. They are all (to the best of my knowledge) genzines. You won't find any adult material in them. Judith If anyone would like any or all of these zines email p.fenech@library.usyd.edu.au Avon 1 Avon 4 Avon 7 Avon 8 Blake, rabble and roll 1 Blake, rabble ... 3 Damned be those who follow - Kathy Hintze Down and unsafe 1 Down and unsafe 5 Down and unsafe 6 Down and unsafe 7 Down and unsafe 8 Faith, hope ... and charity - Judith Seaman Fifth Season 1 Fifth Season 3 Horizon 6 Horizon 7 Horizon 11 Input: an international Blakes7 fanzine 1 Input 2 Input 3 Input 4 Jabberwocky 1 Live to tell: fifth season, episode 2 - Shawn Wigton Nemesis - Carol Wyke Nova - Judith Proctor Prisoner's dilemma - Judith Seaman Return of the seven 4 Star One Star Two Syndicated images (multi-media) 3 -- 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/ -------------------------------- End of blakes7-d Digest V00 Issue #6 ************************************