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blakes7-d Digest Volume 99 : Issue 274
Today's Topics:
Re: [B7L] Hi Joanne!
Re: [B7L] The B7 Movie
Re: [B7L] The B7 Movie
Re: [B7L] Re: blakes7-d Digest V99 #272
Re: [B7L] Animals Appreciation
[B7L] quoting
[B7L] A bit of silliness, so please excuse the French...
Re: Re: [B7L] Animals Appreciation
Re: [B7L] The B7 Movie
[B7L] Re: blakes7-d Digest V99 #273
Re: [B7L] The B7 Movie
Re: [B7L] The B7 Movie
[B7L] B7 movie plot
Re: [B7L] The B7 Movie
Re: [B7L] The B7 Movie
Re: [B7L] The B7 Movie
Re: [B7L] The B7 Movie
[B7L] Brainwashing and other hobbies
Re: [B7L] Animals Appreciation
Re: [B7L] Animals Appreciation
Re: [B7L] Animals Appreciation
Re: [B7L] Mornington Crescent
Re: [B7L] Mornington Crescent
Re: [B7L] The B7 Movie
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 20 Sep 1999 07:43:02 +0100
From: "Neil Faulkner" <N.Faulkner@tesco.net>
To: "lysator" <blakes7@lysator.liu.se>
Subject: Re: [B7L] Hi Joanne!
Message-ID: <000301bf039a$38a2bf20$5618ac3e@default>
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>Regards
>Joanne
>(groaning over the demands of rhyming and her seriously depleted knowledge
>of French)
En 'Powerplay' nous encontrons
Del Tarrant, haut et noir
Qui veut la grande bateau d'espace
Qui s'appelle 'Liberatoir'.
Not exactly edifying but the best I can manage at this time of the morning.
Anyway it's daylight so I can go birding. Time to see how many rare birds
aren't around.
Neil
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 20 Sep 1999 20:27:59 +0100
From: "Neil Faulkner" <N.Faulkner@tesco.net>
To: "lysator" <blakes7@lysator.liu.se>
Subject: Re: [B7L] The B7 Movie
Message-ID: <002d01bf03a0$99738a40$5618ac3e@default>
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Andrew wrote
>> There are obviously house rules around other than the polite "no personal
>> attacks" and "no offensive language" types. Could you point me to a WEB
>site
>> where they are explained, or perhaps send me a message indicating the
sort
>> of thing to avoid. Please remember I'm new.
And Una replied
>Andrew, nothing of the kind, simply a tongue in cheek remark on my part :)
>I have taken it upon myself to protect the reputation of that
>too-much-maligned episode, 'Animals', from all and sundry. Normal 'house
>rules', I guess, involve telling me that I'm a misguided and foolish
>individual!
No you're not, so stop putting yourself down.
Hang on, I think I'm getting you mixed up with someone else...
Seriously, I wouldn't be surprised if some of the Lyst banter comes across
as intimidating to a newcomer. You've got to remember that most of the
regular posters have reached a level of mutual understanding which allows
them to carp at each other. Una's reply was more a signal of acceptance
than anything. It means you're in.
Also bear in mind that many of the Lysters have met each other at
conventions etc, so they're posting to people that they know personally.
They know what they can get away with saying to each other. For instance, I
would never post anything potentially insulting to Una because I know what a
fragile delicate person she is.
Welcome to the Lyst, Andrew. Your comments on the movie were interesting
and I largely agree with them.
Neil
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 20 Sep 1999 20:41:28 +0100
From: "Andrew Ellis" <Andrew.D.Ellis@btinternet.com>
To: <blakes7@lysator.liu.se>
Subject: Re: [B7L] The B7 Movie
Message-ID: <00d601bf03a0$2376c460$1312063e@leanet.futures.bt.co.uk>
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Here here to all of your suggestions.
It was only a rumour that Jenna actually died gun running. Could she be used
to rescue the crew perhaps ?
I guess there has been a lot of discussion on how to get Avon etal out of
the little fix at the end of "Blake", but has anybody considered escape
routes for the other crew members ?
Andrew
-----Original Message-----
From: William Merlock <fortran_or_die@hotmail.com>
To: blakes7@lysator.liu.se <blakes7@lysator.liu.se>
Date: 20 September 1999 15:10
Subject: Re: [B7L] The B7 Movie
>Excellent point! Though B7 didn't venture into the realm of fantasy, it
>also didn't obsess with technical minutia (as the various discussions on
>'spacials' and 'standard by' confirm.) The writers should choose the
>technology level they want to use and keep it in the background.
>
>Besides characterization, the only things I'd like to add are, first, that
>the dark mood of the show must be maintained. A B7 movie where the "good
>guys" come out on top would be a major downer to me ;) Second, though the
>talk has tended to center around Avon and Vila, I'd really like to see
Jenna
>back.........
>
>
>>From: "Andrew Ellis" <Andrew.D.Ellis@btinternet.com>
>>To: <blakes7@lysator.liu.se>
>>Subject: [B7L] The B7 Movie
>>Date: Sat, 18 Sep 1999 23:11:43 +0100
>>
>>Here is a thought about the movie.
>>
>>Consider the power of Federation space ships in Space Fall, consider the
>>advances made by the time of Animals (boo hiss, I won't mention it again)
>>and other S4 episodes. In terms of speed, firepower, physical design etc
>>etc. The rate of change of technology is quite remarkable. I mean, Avon
>>makes a simple detector shield using bits and bobs from Radio Shack, which
>>is viewed as a remarkable advance. This is in a time when we have FTL
>>travel
>>etc.. In the space of 10 years or so, we could have widespread teleport
>>facilities etc. What a difference to the way society operates. So the
>>military could be very different, society could be very different,
>>Everything could be different. Indeed, all that can we can insist is
>>continuous is the characterisation of the lead characters. (I'm sure
you've
>>covered this all before, but what the heck). Since that was one of the
best
>>bits of the show, I would think having one of the main characters in
charge
>>would be a good thing. No more burgers for Vila.
>>
>
>______________________________________________________
>Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com
>
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 20 Sep 1999 20:50:36 +0100
From: "Andrew Ellis" <Andrew.D.Ellis@btinternet.com>
To: "lysator" <blakes7@lysator.liu.se>
Subject: Re: [B7L] Re: blakes7-d Digest V99 #272
Message-ID: <00df01bf03a1$694f83e0$1312063e@leanet.futures.bt.co.uk>
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Damn, missed that one,
Having attempted to land on the debris of Star One, I find myself surging
out towards Andromeda. Luckily the special features of my new propulsion
system in the absence of interstellar material mean I lose little time, and
re-enter the Galaxy in a different sector, stopping off at the planet
Horizon for a quick remedial session of hard labour.
Andrew
p.s. although miles away from target, have I got the hang of it yet ?
-----Original Message-----
From: Neil Faulkner <N.Faulkner@tesco.net>
To: lysator <blakes7@lysator.liu.se>
Date: 20 September 1999 07:32
Subject: Re: [B7L] Re: blakes7-d Digest V99 #272
>Andrew Ellis wrote:
>>Clearly my Mornington Cresent moves are so crafty they are slipping past
>>everybody unseen. Now I'm out towards the edge of the galaxy, its off to
>>Star One with my new StarDrive, and turn off CFC, and all other computer
>>based systems such as Bayban's Rules. Any player without Orac to
counteract
>>this move miss one turn.
>
>You might find that a bit difficult, since Star One was destroyed -before-
>Plaxton perfected her Stardrive. And Bayban's Rules are not
computer-based.
>They are burly, leatherclad and cruel to Vila.
>
>And using Orac is cheating, anyway, unless you're prepared to confine
>yourself to counter-clockwise moves through odd-numbered sectors WITHOUT
>belayed commands.
>
>Neil
>
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 20 Sep 1999 21:09:48 +0100
From: "Andrew Ellis" <Andrew.D.Ellis@btinternet.com>
To: "lysator" <blakes7@lysator.liu.se>,
"Freedom City" <freedom-city@blakes-7.org>
Subject: Re: [B7L] Animals Appreciation
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Its not so much that the episode (Animals) is so weak, but that it resides
with another less than strong episode on the video's. Some other episodes
that were not my favourites have become so because they are on the same tape
as my favourites, but Space Rats / Animals has been skipped on more than one
occasion in our house.
On to a real and distinct problem *I* have with Animals. As usual Dayna
started out in Blakes 7 as a very strong female character, with exceptional
close combat skills, weapons research skills, youthful enthusiasm, slightly
ignorant of the ways of the universe etc etc. But slowly, throughout the
following episodes, Dayna's attributes are neglected and she becomes just,
youthfully ignorant with a Servalan obsession. This comes out obviously in
Star Drive and Animals, but is present in many other later episodes. Animals
gets put towards the bottom of my pile because the deterioration of Dayna
away from my initial impression is so obvious, and there are not man other
characters on screen to distract me.
But, at the end of the day, would you prefer to watch
"Animals"
or
"That Star Trek episode where Captain Kirk didn't kiss the native alien
after 15-20 minutes, Spock did."
And although I like that particular episode of Star Trek for the reason
indicated, I'm afraid its Animals. Una, count me as on the fence.
Andrew
-----Original Message-----
From: Iain Coleman <ijc@bsfiles.nerc-bas.ac.uk>
To: Una McCormack <una@q-research.connectfree.co.uk>
Cc: lysator <blakes7@lysator.liu.se>; Freedom City
<freedom-city@blakes-7.org>
Date: 20 September 1999 17:57
Subject: Re: [B7L] Animals Appreciation
>On Mon, 20 Sep 1999, Una McCormack wrote:
>
>> Those wishing to explore the depths of my delusion can now visit:
>>
>> http://www.q-research.connectfree.co.uk/personal/animals.htm
>>
>> Anything in the way of comments, suggestions, and/or ridicule is welcome.
>
>A lovely site, Una and almost convincing. I think there's one important
>point missing from your discussion of why "Animals" is so poorly regarded.
>It 's the amount of screen time given to the really crap bits. You're
>right that other B7 episodes have flaws in script, production or
>performance to match those of "Animals", but these will generally be on
>screen for a short enough time until we cut back to something less risible
>that the flaws are easier to get past. "Animals" offers these huge scenes
>with Justin and Dayna which have absolutely no redeeming features, and
>which go on and on and on and on. That's what makes watching it such a
>trial.
>
>Iain
>
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 20 Sep 1999 22:57:26 +0100
From: Julia Jones <julia.lysator@jajones.demon.co.uk>
To: blakes7@lysator.liu.se
Cc: lysator <blakes7@lysator.liu.se>
Subject: [B7L] quoting
Message-ID: <R+RE6DAG3q53Ewtv@jajones.demon.co.uk>
In message <00df01bf03a1$694f83e0$1312063e@leanet.futures.bt.co.uk>,
Andrew Ellis <Andrew.D.Ellis@btinternet.com> writes
>p.s. although miles away from target, have I got the hang of it yet ?
Picking on you in public, because it's been a while since the last
victim, and I'd like it to be a while until the next one:
Please don't quote upside down, and please snip irrelevant material in
the post you're replying to. It makes it ever so much easier for
everyone else to read your posts, even if Outlook Express encourages you
to do otherwise.
--
Julia Jones
"Don't philosophise with me, you electronic moron!"
The Turing test - as interpreted by Kerr Avon.
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 21 Sep 1999 08:48:47 EST
From: "Joanne MacQueen" <j_macqueen@hotmail.com>
To: blakes7@lysator.liu.se
Subject: [B7L] A bit of silliness, so please excuse the French...
Message-ID: <19990920224847.10144.qmail@hotmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed
...especially Neil. Let alone Sally and Harriet. In fact, it might be better
to ignore it altogether! <grin> Who knows if Servalan understands it?
Jarriere
(tune: Michelle, Lennon/McCartney)
Jarriere, mon cher
I don't think you understand me clear,
My Jarriere
Jarriere, mon cher
Je pense pas que tu me comprend claire,
Pas comprend claire (*)
I'll tell you, I'll tell you, I'll tell you
All the plot underway
So in your mind it'll stay
I will say this even though I know
That you won't understand
Repeat (*)
I'll help, I'll help you, I'll help you
I'll help you to see
All things done by me
Until you do I'm showing you to
Know what I mean
I'll tell you
I'll show you, I'll show you, I'll show you
I hope you see by now
It'll get through somehow
Until you do I'm telling you
So you'll understand
Repeat (*)
And I'll will say this even though I know
That you won't understand, my Jarriere
Thank God that one's finished!
Regards
Joanne
______________________________________________________
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------------------------------
Date: Mon, 20 Sep 1999 23:49:11 +0100
From: "Una McCormack" <una@q-research.connectfree.co.uk>
To: "lysator" <blakes7@lysator.liu.se>,
"Freedom City" <freedom-city@blakes-7.org>
Subject: Re: Re: [B7L] Animals Appreciation
Message-ID: <006b01bf03ba$5e3fe7b0$0d01a8c0@hedge>
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Andrew wrote:
> And although I like that particular episode of Star Trek for the reason
> indicated, I'm afraid its Animals. Una, count me as on the fence.
'On the fence' is about as nice as people get about 'Animals'. Hurrah!
Una
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 20 Sep 1999 23:48:00 +0100
From: "Una McCormack" <una@q-research.connectfree.co.uk>
To: "lysator" <blakes7@lysator.liu.se>
Subject: Re: [B7L] The B7 Movie
Message-ID: <006a01bf03ba$5dd1e3a0$0d01a8c0@hedge>
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Neil wrote:
> Also bear in mind that many of the Lysters have met each other at
> conventions etc, so they're posting to people that they know personally.
> They know what they can get away with saying to each other. For instance,
I
> would never post anything potentially insulting to Una because I know what
a
> fragile delicate person she is.
Indeed, as a result of crashing out of Mornington Crescent, I have spent the
day in a darkened room with a feeble hand across a furrowed brow.
Una
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 20 Sep 1999 21:01:31 -0700
From: Helen Krummenacker <avona@jps.net>
To: blakes7@lysator.liu.se
Subject: [B7L] Re: blakes7-d Digest V99 #273
Message-ID: <37E7031B.12C1@jps.net>
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I've been looking at your site, Una, but I don't believe Dayna could be
brainwashed by Servalan in anything under five years time, and I think
it would take about that long for you to get me to overlook *that*
problem. I can accept her interest in a *much* older man. I don't think
the effects on this are that much worse than other shows but *please*!!!
The moment Dayna was let out of restraints, she would be ripping
Servalan's throat out with her bare hands if that's all she had.
But then, I think I have a bit more faith in Dayna than most of the
fans. I don't much hear people praising her.
--Avona
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 16 Sep 1999 07:00:06 -0600
From: "Ellynne G." <rilliara@juno.com>
To: blakes7@lysator.liu.se
Subject: Re: [B7L] The B7 Movie
Message-ID: <19990916.070008.8774.0.Rilliara@juno.com>
On Mon, 20 Sep 1999 20:41:28 +0100 "Andrew Ellis"
<Andrew.D.Ellis@btinternet.com> writes:
>Here here to all of your suggestions.
>
>It was only a rumour that Jenna actually died gun running. Could she
>be used
>to rescue the crew perhaps ?
>
You betcha.
>I guess there has been a lot of discussion on how to get Avon etal out
>of
>the little fix at the end of "Blake", but has anybody considered
>escape
>routes for the other crew members ?
Gan: Did they have to leave his body behind? That allows for the A)
Oops, he wasnt' dead scenario, or the B) He was dead but the badguys
brought him back scenario. If they retrieved the body and buried him at
space (at space? in space? 'burial at sea' seems the right root, but how
do you bury someone in a vacuum?), there's the found-by-aliens
and-repaired scenario or the encountered-something-weird and revived
scenario, plus the ever popular cloned scenario. Not to mention the "Oh,
didn't I mention the deep coma side effect of limitors?" scenario.
Cally: Avon was wrong. She wasn't dead.
Auron death trance/healing trance fooled him.
Normal Auron biology fooled him ("You looked for a pulse _where_?")
Some outside force fooled him (please note, it was a weird planet).
OR: Avon lied (he wasn't able to get to Cally but didn't want the others
going in looking for her and getting killed. Possibly other reasons,
like not expalining she mutated into a link or was stolen by weird aliens
[hey, it could happen]).
OR: She was dead. She got better.
Ellynne
___________________________________________________________________
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Free software, free e-mail, and free Internet access for a month!
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------------------------------
Date: Tue, 21 Sep 1999 15:40:03 EST
From: "Joanne MacQueen" <j_macqueen@hotmail.com>
To: blakes7@lysator.liu.se
Subject: Re: [B7L] The B7 Movie
Message-ID: <19990921054004.27452.qmail@hotmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed
>From: "Ellynne G." <rilliara@juno.com>
>OR: She was dead. She got better.
<big grin> That's a Monty Python crossover, surely?
Regards
Joanne
______________________________________________________
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------------------------------
Date: Tue, 21 Sep 1999 08:37:59 +0000
From: "Loulou Harris" <loulou@okco.freeserve.co.uk>
To: blakes7@lysator.liu.se
Subject: [B7L] B7 movie plot
Message-Id: <E11TKPW-00020a-00.1999-09-21-08-32-22@mail15.svr.pol.co.uk>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII
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No, I don't have any new information....
But what has struck me is that ONE good thing about the B7 movie
being set in the future is that it may well free up the unspoken
taboo that there seems to be on writing B7 stories set very far in
the B7 future.
I guess that it is understandable that the most popular fan fic
settings are during the timespan of the screened episodes - if you
want to take people along with you in the plot, you want to be fairly
certain that they believe in the characters and set-up. A good
writer can make any setting interesting but most fan fic writers
won't have the confidence to do that. So the result is 21 years of
fan fic set mostly within the timespan of 4-5 years.
(Obviously there are exceptions, and the PGP is a popular choice of
subgenre, but most PGPs are set soon after "Blake". In fact, I'd be
interested to hear of the best stories set way in the future.)
What we need as the trigger to really start writing stories set
further in the future, could be a canonical episode set in that time.
Then we don't need to concentrate more on the 'how they all got out
of that' - but on all the character development etc which is what
interests most of us anyway.
So, although I'd like to think the movie would be stormin', in many
ways it doesn't matter even it is lame. Plenty of lame
episodes have contributed good stuff to the canon - the Tharn,
Dayna's ex-lover from "Animals" , Vila's tryst with Servalan in
"Moloch", the mindswitch of Ultraworld.
I, for one look forward to the loosening of the stranglehold of the
canon. 20 years!!!! Think of all the interesting stuff that could
have happened to the survivors in that time...
Pita
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 21 Sep 1999 09:03:00 +0100
From: "Una McCormack" <una@q-research.connectfree.co.uk>
To: "lysator" <blakes7@lysator.liu.se>
Subject: Re: [B7L] The B7 Movie
Message-ID: <00ab01bf0407$bd70ed40$0d01a8c0@hedge>
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Neil wrote:
> Andrew wrote
> >> There are obviously house rules around other than the polite "no
personal
> >> attacks" and "no offensive language" types. Could you point me to a
WEBsite
> >> where they are explained, or perhaps send me a message indicating the
sort
> >> of thing to avoid. Please remember I'm new.
>
> And Una replied
> >Normal 'house rules', I guess, involve telling me that I'm a misguided
and foolish
> >individual!
>
> No you're not, so stop putting yourself down.
Oh, only in the case of discussion of 'Animals'! In all other cases I expect
you kneel down before my obvious superiority and worship me as your Lord and
Master. Bwaha! Bwahahaha! Soon you will all know my power!! <eyes rolling,
mouth frothing...>
Sorry, did I say that out loud?
Una
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 21 Sep 1999 01:45:50 PDT
From: "Rob Clother" <whitehorse_dream@hotmail.com>
To: blakes7@lysator.liu.se
Subject: Re: [B7L] The B7 Movie
Message-ID: <19990921084551.699.qmail@hotmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed
Andrew:
>I guess there has been a lot of discussion on how to get Avon etal out of
>the little fix at the end of "Blake"...
Two words: Arnold Rimmer.
-- Rob
______________________________________________________
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------------------------------
Date: Tue, 21 Sep 1999 01:51:57 PDT
From: "Rob Clother" <whitehorse_dream@hotmail.com>
To: blakes7@lysator.liu.se
Subject: Re: [B7L] The B7 Movie
Message-ID: <19990921085158.422.qmail@hotmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed
Una:
>Master. Bwaha! Bwahahaha! Soon you will all know my power!! <eyes rolling,
>mouth frothing...>
>
>Sorry, did I say that out loud?
Yeah, I get that too. Must be the drugs.
-- Rob
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------------------------------
Date: Tue, 21 Sep 1999 02:05:05 -0700
From: mistral@ptinet.net
To: B7 List <blakes7@lysator.liu.se>
Subject: Re: [B7L] The B7 Movie
Message-ID: <37E74A41.F84D24E6@ptinet.net>
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Rob Clother wrote:
> Andrew:
>
> >I guess there has been a lot of discussion on how to get Avon etal out of
> >the little fix at the end of "Blake"...
>
> Two words: Arnold Rimmer.
You mean Ace Rimmer, surely?
Mistral
--
"Ad hoc, ad loc, and quid pro quo. So little time! So much to know!"
--Jeremy Hilary Boob, Ph.D.
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 21 Sep 1999 10:03:45 +0100
From: "Una McCormack" <una@q-research.connectfree.co.uk>
To: <blakes7@lysator.liu.se>
Subject: [B7L] Brainwashing and other hobbies
Message-ID: <011c01bf0410$3ae72d40$0d01a8c0@hedge>
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Helen Krummenacker wrote:
> I've been looking at your site, Una, but I don't believe Dayna could be
> brainwashed by Servalan in anything under five years time, and I think
> it would take about that long for you to get me to overlook *that*
> problem. I can accept her interest in a *much* older man. I don't think
> the effects on this are that much worse than other shows but *please*!!!
> The moment Dayna was let out of restraints, she would be ripping
> Servalan's throat out with her bare hands if that's all she had.
>
> But then, I think I have a bit more faith in Dayna than most of the
> fans. I don't much hear people praising her.
That's a good one, and one which I hadn't really thought about (crikey, you
people are inventive when it comes to thinking up things which are
problematic about 'Animals'! It's almost as if there's a lot there to
complain about!).
There are two points to answer, I think (spot the person was has spent ten
years writing essays...). Firstly, the characterization of Dayna and,
secondly, the nature of interrogation in the Federation.
Dayna is badly done by throughout the show. One of the examples which I find
most annoying is in one of my favourite episodes, 'Sarcophagus', where we
suddenly see Dayna playing a musical instrument as her 'character trait'.
Now that I think about it, I would have preferred having her legging round
with the gun and Tarrant playing the musical instrument. So I agree that as
a general rule, Dayna suffers from deeply poor characterization.
However, I don't agree that having her break quickly is necessarily a result
of this poor characterization. Any interrogator (and those of you who are
also on Freedom City can start worrying again!) will tell you that it's
strong emotions which are easiest to manipulate - they're our weak point,
because they are the outward expression of the things we care most about.
Dayna's driving emotion was *hate*: this is exactly the sort of thing an
interrogator would latch onto and manipulate. (The key to getting people to
do what you want is to have them doing something which is entirely within
character.) A combination of the right sort of drugs would *soon* have Dayna
quite impressively disorientated as to who exactly she needed to carry out
her revenge on. The effect didn't have to be long-lasting: enough to get her
to focus on all that hate and her mission, to reveal Justin's location.
It's unclear in the episode, I think, how long the 'aversion therapy'
sessions take, but I agree that the suggestion is that it's only a few
hours. I agree that this is too short. But I think a couple of days would be
enough. I don't know if this falls within the scope of the episode. What it
would involve is heightening someone's characteristics, using drugs, and
leaving them capable of performing quite a simple action on your behalf. I
suspect that the reason they took so long over Blake, in comparison, was all
the personality restructuring. I don't think it would have taken all that
long to 'break' him at all: not a comment on Blake's strength of character,
more a comment on just how successful these people can be when they *really*
put their mind to it.
Incidentally, I understand that quite a bit of material was cut from the
interrogation scenes between Servalan and Dayna because the episode was
over-running, which is a shame.
Bet I haven't convinced you! ;)
Una
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 21 Sep 1999 02:02:45 PDT
From: "Rob Clother" <whitehorse_dream@hotmail.com>
To: blakes7@lysator.liu.se
Subject: Re: [B7L] Animals Appreciation
Message-ID: <19990921090245.78742.qmail@hotmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed
Iain:
>"Animals" offers these huge scenes with Justin and Dayna which have
>absolutely no redeeming features, and which go on and on and on and on.
>That's what makes watching it such a trial.
True, though the episode itself had some interesting moments. I still like
the Servalan/Ardus dialogue, frexample. A bloody great turkey like
Ultraworld, that would embarass the cheesiest, anorakiest Dr Who writer,
genuinely has no interesting moments. Well, if it does have any, they are
unintentional, and they're far surpassed by Red Dwarf.
Anyway, enough of this beating about the bush. Time to say how I *really*
feel.
Errr...
-- Rob
______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com
------------------------------
------------------------------
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 21 Sep 1999 02:46:31 -0700
From: mistral@ptinet.net
To: B7 List <blakes7@lysator.liu.se>
Subject: Re: [B7L] Animals Appreciation
Message-ID: <37E753F6.5B693DAE@ptinet.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
Rob Clother wrote:
> True, though the episode itself had some interesting moments. I still like
> the Servalan/Ardus dialogue, frexample. A bloody great turkey like
> Ultraworld, that would embarass the cheesiest, anorakiest Dr Who writer,
> genuinely has no interesting moments. Well, if it does have any, they are
> unintentional, and they're far surpassed by Red Dwarf.
It probably depends on what you're looking for. Ultraworld is good for
a giggle; Animals isn't. I don't think lines like 'I'm too young to be
absorbed,'
'A logical, rational intelligence is no match for yours,' 'idiotic tintax,' are
unintentional. Ultraworld may be ridiculous, but I don't ask myself at the
end why I bothered to watch it.
I appreciate Una's efforts, but I can't really appreciate Animals. It has
nothing to do with Justin/Dayna, either, as I always assumed it was just
a schoolgirl crush; but the episode is lifeless--even the one or two
moments that might be of interest if they were lifted out and place in
another episode are dragged down by the weight of the rest.
IMHO,
Mistral
--
"Ad hoc, ad loc, and quid pro quo. So little time! So much to know!"
--Jeremy Hilary Boob, Ph.D.
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 21 Sep 1999 10:50:56 +0100
From: "Una McCormack" <una@q-research.connectfree.co.uk>
To: "Rob Clother" <whitehorse_dream@hotmail.com>, <blakes7@lysator.liu.se>
Subject: Re: [B7L] Animals Appreciation
Message-ID: <019601bf0416$d3642310$0d01a8c0@hedge>
Content-Type: text/plain;
charset="iso-8859-1"
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
Rob:
> Iain:
>
> >"Animals" offers these huge scenes with Justin and Dayna which have
> >absolutely no redeeming features, and which go on and on and on and on.
> >That's what makes watching it such a trial.
>
> True, though the episode itself had some interesting moments. I still
like
> the Servalan/Ardus dialogue, frexample. A bloody great turkey like
> Ultraworld, that would embarass the cheesiest, anorakiest Dr Who writer,
> genuinely has no interesting moments. Well, if it does have any, they are
> unintentional, and they're far surpassed by Red Dwarf.
Err.. I like 'Ultraworld'. I think this is simply because I watched it first
as an 8 year old, and I thought it was just the funniest thing I'd ever
watched. I still like the bit where Orac says, 'Encore!' But then I like the
Ferengi episodes in DS9, so you can dismiss my opinion out of hand, quite
frankly.
> Anyway, enough of this beating about the bush. Time to say how I *really*
> feel.
>
> Errr...
I'm touched.
Una
------------------------------
------------------------------
------------------------------
------------------------------
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 21 Sep 1999 20:59:49 +1000
From: Kathryn Andersen <kat@welkin.apana.org.au>
To: "Blake's 7 list" <blakes7@lysator.liu.se>
Subject: Re: [B7L] Mornington Crescent
Message-ID: <19990921205949.A1592@welkin.apana.org.au>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
On Tue, Sep 21, 1999 at 03:30:15AM -0700, Rob Clother wrote:
>
> >And using Orac is cheating, anyway, unless you're prepared to confine
> >yourself to counter-clockwise moves through odd-numbered sectors WITHOUT
> >belayed commands.
>
> Without belayed commands? But what if you're using a 9mm rope?
What about two tins and a piece of string?
--
_--_|\ | Kathryn Andersen <kat@welkin.apana.org.au>
/ \ | http://home.connexus.net.au/~kat
\_.--.*/ | #include "standard/disclaimer.h"
v |
------------| Melbourne -> Victoria -> Australia -> Southern Hemisphere
Maranatha! | -> Earth -> Sol -> Milky Way Galaxy -> Universe
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 21 Sep 1999 10:42:07 PDT
From: "Rob Clother" <whitehorse_dream@hotmail.com>
To: blakes7@lysator.liu.se
Subject: Re: [B7L] Mornington Crescent
Message-ID: <19990921174208.34790.qmail@hotmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed
Kat:
> > Without belayed commands? But what if you're using a 9mm rope?
>
>What about two tins and a piece of string?
Ah. Now I understand how Orac's carrier waves worked.
-- Rob
______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 21 Sep 1999 20:41:12 +0100 (BST)
From: Judith Proctor <Judith@blakes-7.demon.co.uk>
To: Lysator List <Blakes7@lysator.liu.se>
Subject: Re: [B7L] The B7 Movie
Message-ID: <Marcel-1.46-0921194112-bbaRr9i@blakes-7.demon.co.uk>
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; CHARSET=US-ASCII
Here's what I can remember from the session with Paul Darrow and Andrew Sewell
(the producer of the telemovie) at Cult TV. Quotes are close to the original,
but not perfect. (I've got a poor quality tape of some bits, and can't always
make out words perfectly) Bits unattributed or in brackets are my additions.
It will probably be screened spring 2001, but there's nothing set in stone about
that date.
There will be a new director.
No Liberator. "It blew up, they cannot rebuild it." (Much though I love
Liberator - my favourite ship of any SF show - I have to concede that Andrew has
a point.)
No Blake. He's dead. (Aaah)
Best quote of the session after commenting on what they want to retain from the
original show - Andrew to Paul - 'If you die, I'll kill you'
They definitely want to retain the wit and humour of the original series.
Andrew feels that 'Invasion Earth' to take an example, took itself too
seriously and actually did some damage to the SF genre. He also (if I
understood him correctly) wants to retain the 'UKcentric feeling' of the show.
He feels that can actually be a bonus in the overseas market.
The writer is (I didn't catch the name exactly but it sounded like) Dev Doyle.
'as far as UK writers go, one of the most commercially orientated writers going
- catches that humour perfectly'
Paul - One of the reasons that I am involved in this is because Terry was a
close friend; I'm proud to say I was almost a member of the family. I promised
Kate (Terry's widow) that this would be Terry Nation's Blake's 7 -and that's why
I've got this spurious title of associate producer. She trusts me to say no,
that line is - We've got to have wit; we've got to have repartee. It will be
there. That's part of the reason why I'm involved.
Andrew - We wouldn't be able to do it without Paul. The character of Avon will
be a catalyst to this production.
Me - have you ever thought of involving Chris Boucher?
Andrew - I was waiting for this one. I have great admiration for Chris as a
writer, but there are other equally good writers out there and we are looking to
take a fresh attack on this project. But that doesn't mean that we might not
approach Chris to do a radio play. That's always a possibility.
Me - If Chris did do a radio play, that would be brilliant.
Andrew - Well, Brian (Lighthill) and I have talked about doing another one, but
obviously our priority is the telemovie. We have talked about the possibility
of doing another radio play some time next year. That's still up in the air at
the moment. I have to say that Barry (Letts) has turned in a treatment for the
new one. I know that people have various mixed feelings as to what Barry did
with the previous two, but I have to say that his treatment for this is very
good. Doesn't necessarily mean that Barry will write it, but... he put in a
damn good treatment, a cracking story
It has not yet been decided who will do the SFX, but a mixture of CGI and model
work is intended at this stage. (Andrew has recently been working on 'Walking
with Dinosaurs' which involves masses of animation and he says looks really
good.) He feels that total CGI can end up with something that looks too clean -
he quotes B5.
Andrew - (with regard to whether the movie will go ahead) Nothing is 100%
guaranteed. I always say that I'll believe in something when I'm sitting in the
auditorium watching the final print being screened, so I'd be a very foolish
person to say that it's a hundred percent guaranteed but we have a fantastic
team. We have a very dedicated team. We have every reason to believe that it
will happen. We'll do our darndest to make sure that it does.
It seems unlikely that any other members of the original cast will be involved
though I don't think this has been ruled out entirely. It's basically passage
of time and also uncertainty as to whether any given person would actually be
available at the time of filming. (A valid concern - that's why Glynnis Barber
didn't play Soolin in the first radio play)
Paul - I'd look a bit silly running around in black leather.
Micheal Sheard - (who'd just dropped by) I'd like to see Paul Darrow in black
leather! (enthusiastic response from audience...)
Paul - (sultry) You already have (laugh from audience) but I'm not saying
anything. (Michael played section leader Klegg in 'Aftermath')
Cheers from audience as Micheal Sheard grabs the mike to tell a tall story about
Paul when he gave him a lift while they were both working on Blake's 7. The
short version is 'don't trust Michael when he says he knows a short cut...'
That was pretty much the end of the session.
Conversations later on suggest that they haven't totally ruled out using
original cast members in cameo roles or to play different characters. I'm not
saying that it's planned, but I suggested it and the idea wasn't shot down out
of hand.
Judith
PS. In the Cult TV awards ceremony, Michael Sheard won 'Cult TV personality of
the year' (now you know why we've invited him to Redemption) but Paul (to his
surprise - I was standing next to him when it was announced) - was voted into
the Hall of Fame as best actor. Blake's 7 won the award for the best costumes
and also won an award for best returning series.
--
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 V99 Issue #274
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