Blake's 7 to return?

Television, Movies Games and Books Other Science Fiction
#1

It looks like Blake’s 7 may be the next classic SF series to get the remake treatment. The UK’s Sky 1 has ordered two scripts for a possible new version of the series. Full article.

Not sure how I feel about this. I loved the original series when it came out but I’m not sure I like the fact that no one seems to be doing anything other than remakes and reimagings these days. Yes, Blake’s 7 was a good show, but can’t anyone come up with anything original any more?

((And, yes, before anyone points out the irony to me, I realize that I’m making that statement in a forum devoted to a reimaged show.))

#2

I really want to see new episodes of Blake’s 7, but I do have a worry that it might get frakked up. I think there is a better chance of it turning out OK because its being done by a British TV station and not an American one.
I’m still waiting for them to put the original episodes onto Region 1 DVDs.

#3

Speaking as a UK viewer, I am a little nervious with Sky1 doing Blake’s 7. Cos it hasn’t done much of its own sci-fi before and short series like Hex (which in UK geekdom appeared as widely loved and hated) and was more of a cheap horror set in a boarding school…with a cool lesban ghost. Though it did the Discworld movies really.

#4

I haven’t seen any details of this as yet.

It does rather sound like Sky are jumping on the bandwagon after seeing the success of recent revivals of other genre programmes.

As to how loyal the new version will be to the original, I’m guessing it replicate character names and basic plot premise and that’s about all.

I can’t imagine who they will cast to play Vila or Avon, as the original actors did such a wonderful job of making the parts their own.

Anyone want to guess which old series will be next to be remade - Sapphire and Steel anyone? Space 1999?

#5

I think Sapphire and Steel are staying with Big Finish productions (they do the Doctor Who audio plays)- I think they are doing new stories with some of the old cast but I’m not sure.

Space 1999 could still be re-imaged though.

#6

Yeah I seem to remember reading about audio Sapphire and Steel dramas in SFX, but the leads were recast.

Heh, what about Tripods? That was a great show for the time, could easily be remade, although have to avoid it being too War of the Worlds-y.

#7

Can Acon be played by my Doctor, Christopher Eccleston…howeve ryou spell his last name lol

#8

Hmm, he probably could he’s smug enough but I’ve never forgiven him for his general disdain for geekdom. Seems to me that he was after the Doctor Who role for purely mercenary reasons … er, ok … maybe he would make a good Avon after all… :slight_smile:

#9

Actually- there keep being rumours of Eccleston returning for a time on Heroes, and collapsing rumours of him being Number Six in the Prisoner remake by the Beebies.

He won’t be out of geekdom any time yet.

#10

Ah, maybe he will grow to love us then!

We’re certainly responsible for a lot of his income. :wink:

#11

Hey, Eccleston was my doctor. I love you Tennent, but I could not hel p it lol