Maximum Power

Special Hyperspace Sub-Beam from the BFI This week, in a special report from the British Film Institute's Blake's 7 Series 1 (don't you mean Series A?) screening, Si and Pete are joined by Zoe Baker, Dan Hollingsworth, Mark Dodyk, Tom Newsom, Ben Jolley, and David Gillespie-Pratt to discuss remastered episodes, new special effects, and Blake's RADA cum face in HD!

And now on Maximum Power, it's time to look back at Series C of Blake's 7. It's been a wild ride, from the fatal shores of Sarran, to an almost fatal sickbay on the planet Chenga. From a radioactive volcano on Obsidian to an impossible realm on the other side of a black hole. From an alien-harvest on the planet Kairos to an altercation with Bayban the Butcher. We've been on a mission to save the children of Auron, and in search of our long lost love, been taken over by a golden-skinned alien with a fabulous perm, and watched in shock as the grey-skinned Ultras pressured our new shipmates Dayna and Tarrant into performing the human mating ritual. We've suffered the casual misogyny of Moloch, casually death-watched one of the crew's relatives be murdered, and finally arrived at our Terminal destination. But was it worth it, what was it all for? Join us for The Series C Retrospective.

Terminal Series C, Episode 13 - First broadcast 31 March 1980 This week, Si's acting secretive and is taking the Liberator who knows where, Col told him not to fly through that ominous looking fluid cloud, but would he listen? No! He has to get to Terminal. Pete's getting worried, the ship's systems have started playing up, James has noticed an upsetting green substance oozing out of the walls and consoles. Mark's happy though, he finally has possession of the Liberator... it's time for Maximum Power!

Death-Watch Series C, Episode 12 - First broadcast 24 March 1980 This week on Maximum Power, the crew enjoy 2-for-1 cocktails hour on the Liberator flight deck, sampling the finest space canapés and enjoying the latest galactic board game, all while watching one of their relatives (convincingly portrayed by the same actor) fight to the death. Join us as we watch Death-Watch!

Moloch Series C, Episode 11 - First broadcast 17 March 1980 And now on Maximum Power our intrepid team find themselves on Sardos, an invisible planet in the outer darkness of the galaxy, for a confrontation with Moloch. In this week's episode, Zoe is disgusted by the casual misogyny, Pete is horrified by the mutated Muppet, Brendan is shocked by Ben Steed's sadism and Si, well, that is how he reasoned they would react. Can any of us find anything to love in Moloch?

Ultraworld Series C, Episode 10 - First broadcast 10 March 1980 This week on Maximum Power, Simon, Brendan and Rob Valentine teleport down to a mysterious planet that they discover is just one giant computer. Simon wonders at the elegance of the operating system, Brendan has a hankering for a fancy cocktail, and Rob is just hoping no-one realises what a decent, compassionate man he is. Meanwhile, back aboard the Liberator, Mark is teaching dad jokes to his laptop. Join us as we discuss the unjustly maligned Ultraworld. Head-shaving optional, apparently.

Sarcophagus Series C, Episode 9 - First broadcast 3 March 1980 This week Hannah's been possessed by the spirit of a gold-skinned alien intent on resurrecting itself, and for some reason Si is The Warrior, James is The Jester, Pete is The Harpist, and Nathan is a foreboding figure dressed in black. That can only mean we're talking about Sarcophagus!

Rumours of Death Series C, Episode 8 - First broadcast 25 February 1980 This week on Maximum Power, Col's been in a Federation interrogation cell for five days, he knew if he held out Si would show up eventually, meanwhile Nathan's crawling across the grounds of Servalan's Presidential Palace with a yellow box strapped to his back in an attempt to block the building's surveillance, Una's plotting to overthrow the government, and James finally finds himself chained to the wall of an underground room, it's an old wall, it waits. Join us as we discuss Series C, Episode 8 of Blake's 7 - Rumours of Death.

Children of Auron Series C, Episode 7 - First broadcast 19 February 1980 And now on Maximum Power, the Liberator crew find themselves en route to the planet Auron on a mission to save the Children of Auron. This week, Peter receives a telepathic communication from his twin, Pete: "They're all dying. Help us. Help Auron!" Supreme Commander Col has infected an Auron pilot with a deadly space pathogen as part of a plot to get access to the Auronar's cloning technology, wiping out the population in the process. All is not lost howerver, Simon and Brendan manage to escape the planet with the Auron gene stocks, and set course for the planet Khan to restart the Auron race, lucky them.

City at the Edge of the World Series C, Episode 6 - First broadcast 11 February 1980 And now on Maximum Power our intrepid team head to the City at the Edge of the World. This week Mark hopes all his mistakes have nice legs, Simon realises every silver lining has a cloud, Pete is treating every hour like his last and Si is just the stupid son of a slime ball, but what will they make of this Chris Boucher episode?

The Harvest of Kairos Series C, Episode 5 - First broadcast 4 February 1980 And now on Maximum Power, we're manly men coveting Kairopan, as we try and steal The Harvest of Kairos! This week Peter finds teleporting not an unpleasant way to travel because he is a man, Simon is a man who has nothing to say to Servalan, Colin could take The Liberator with a single ship because he's a man, Si was a special kind of man, and Pete would like to discuss that degrading and primitive act to which he was subjected in the control room... He should like you to do it again (because he's a man). Carry on Captain Shad!

Dawn of the Gods Series C, Episode 4 - First broadcast 28 January 1980 This week on Maximum Power, the Liberator is being dragged off course by a strange force from the other side of a black hole. James, Nathan and Peter soon find themselves in a strange place where the normal laws of physics don't apply. Here they are taken prisoner by the fabulous Adam, caliph to the mysterious Thaarn, a god from Auron legend. Will our intrepid crew be able escape the black hole's gravitational pull, find out as we discover the Dawn of the Gods.

Volcano Series C, Episode 3 - First broadcast 21 January 1980 And now on Maximum Power, Mark, Peter, Colin and Nathan have all decided to set up a colony devoted to pacifism not far away from an enormous active volcano containing a leaky nuclear bomb. Things are going just about as well as you might expect when Dayna and Tarrant arrive to patronise them and to cadge some free drinks, while in orbit above the colony, Servalan and the crew of the Liberator find themselves exchanging witty barbs and plumbing new levels of incompetence. Join us as we discuss the thorny political and philosophical issues raised by the pacifist position, in Volcano.

Powerplay Series C, Episode 2 - First Broadcast 14 January 1980 And now on Maximum Power, Mark and Colin finally arrive back on board the Liberator with their new friend James Cooray-Smith, only to find an uncharacteristically rough-looking Michael Sheard, and a dramatically handsome new leading man who seems to be trying to impress them by murdering a whole bunch of people. Meanwhile, back on the planet Chenga, Peter and Brendan meet a group of attractive young women who have come up with an alarming new way of solving the Trolley Problem (Organ Donor Variant). Join us as we discuss the final part of this dramatic two-part series opener — Powerplay.

Aftermath Series C, Episode 1 - First broadcast 7 January 1980 And now on Maximum Power, our fearless space crew are reeling from the aftermath of the intergalactic war. While some of them take a break until next week, others go missing until later this year, and some of them are never seen again! This week, Nathan finds himself on the planet Sarran, his clothes in tatters and his Federation in ruins. Never fear, Si's on hand to lend him a floaty purple dress, it's a little old fashioned, and not his colour, but it'll do very nicely. James tells us he likes the ancient weapons, they're more exciting, more dangerous, and without danger there's no pleasure. And, Peter thinks that must limit your range of pleasures a bit. Join us for the premiere of Series C of Blake's 7 - Aftermath.

Warship Blake's 7: The Classic Adventures 1 - Released January 2013 (Big Finish) And now on Maximum Power, Si displays his famous optimism, Col almost gets the chance to demonstrate an old smuggler's trick, Mark can be spared to go down to Megiddo, and finally Pete finds his telepathic powers are boosted by being in this region of space, or somewhere near Birmingham at least. Join our fearless crew as they take a sidestep into audio with Big Finish's first full cast Blake's 7 drama and prequel to Series C - Warship!

And now on Maximum Power, we take a look back at Series B of Blake's 7. Our adventure has taken us from the clutches of The System on Spaceworld, to the machinations of the Terra Nostra on Space City. From the planet of the Clone Masters, to Space Command, and Horizon, Earth, Space Command, and to a planet with an ocean made of spit. We've been to Federation Q-Base on the planet Fosforon, Exbar, Albian, Space Command, Atlay (and its conference centre), Freedom City, Goth, Space Command, and finally on, with luck, to Star One. But what have we learned from the experience? Join us for The Series B Retrospective and find out!

Star One Series B, Episode 13 - First broadcast 3 April 1979 And now on Maximum Power, our intrepid crew join the precious few people who actually know where Star One is, as we reach the climactic end of Series B of Blake's 7. This week, Col just wants it finished, he wants it over and done with, he wants to be free. Peter could talk or scream, the choice is yours. James is expecting an invasion, a hoard of hairy aliens. Pete will not be President of a ruined empire. And for what it is worth, Si wants you to know he has always trusted you, from the very beginning. And we're all wondering if anything will ever be the same again after Star One!

The Keeper Series B, Episode 12 - First broadcast 27 March 1979 This week on Maximum Power, the Liberator has arrived at the planet Goth in search of a brain print which holds the location of Star One. But the crew's mission won't be as easy at it sounds, for starters the place is full of tents. While Si tries to convince the local chieftan to let him see his amulet, Col is trading barbs with the chieftain's sister, trying to see hers. Pete is playing the fool and making the Fool jealous. And Una promises that if anyone lays a finger on her, the Federation battle fleets will blast you to ashes, you and all your tents! Join us as we discuss Episode 12 of Series B of Blake's 7 – The Keeper.

Gambit Series B, Episode 11 - First broadcast 20 March 1979 And now on Maximum Power we head to Freedom City on the trail of a former Federation cyber surgeon who can apparently tell us the location of Star One, and while we're here maybe a bit of light cheating at high stakes gambling. Pete's cracked the gaming tables, Mark's cheating at speed chess, Col's a cheap little space tramp, Brendan's a ten-credit touch, and Nathan will have that vulpine degenerate eviscerated with a small and very blunt knife. Join us as we discuss Episode 11 of Series B – Gambit.

Voice from the Past Series B, Episode 10 - First broadcast 13 March 1979 And now on Maximum Power, we're scheming with Shivan, venting with Ven Glynd and having Le Grand old time, as we head to a governors' conference on the planet Atlay, intent on overthrowing the Federation. This week, Si is not so enfeebled he's forgotten the rules of the game, Simon is swathed in bandages and could be anyone, but is definitely who he says he is, promise. Peter is waiting to make his entrance on a huge cinema screen, and James, well, he has seen through your pathetic little scheme from the very beginning! But what did we make of Roger Parkes' debut Blake's 7 script – Voice from the Past?

Countdown Series B, Episode 9 - First broadcast 6 March 1979 This week on Maximum Power, the crew arrive on the planet Albian in search of Space Major Provine, a Federation officer who may have information on how to find Control. But they've arrived in the aftermath of a rebellion which has overthrown Federation control of the planet, the Federation have activated a bomb which will wipe out the planet's population, and Provine has escaped. While Col and Pete desperately search for the missing Provine, Nathan and Peter teleport to the planet's polar region to attempt to defuse the bomb. Will they beat the Countdown?

Hostage series B, Episode 8 - First broadcast 27 February 1979 And now on Maximum Power, new arrival Hannah and her gang of crimos has taken Si, Col and Pete Hostage and is forcing them to watch Episode 8 of Series B of Blake's 7, they may not survive. Join our intrepid crew as they struggle with persistent pursuit ships, convoluted kidnapping plots, and questionable familial relationships.

Killer Series B, Episode 7 - First broadcast 20 February 1979 This week on Maximum Power, Nathan and Brendan teleport down to Federation installation Q-Base on the planet Fosforon to steal a translator crystal, and what better way of doing that than by blackmailing an old ‘friend'. Meanwhile, an ancient spacecraft is heading towards the planet, complete with a deadly strain of space plague, and the other plot strand. Sensing something is wrong James alerts Simon who heads down to the planet to explain to the base's chief scientist, a noted virologist, how viral transmission works. Will they be able to find a cure in time, or will the base succumb to a Killer, in Episode 7 of Series B of Blake's 7.

Trial Series B, Episode 6 - First broadcast 13 February 1979 And now on Maximum Power the Liberator crew and the Federation are dealing with the aftermath of the catastrophic events of last week's episode. This week, reeling from the loss of his fellow crew member, Si teleports down to an ‘uninhabited' planet to do some soul searching, here he comes across ridge-headed latex-skinned alien Col. Meanwhile, disgraced for failing to capture the Liberator crew, Pete is on space trial at Space Command, and who better to pass judgement than Old Starkiller himself Paul Monk. Join us as we begin our attack run on Episode 6 of Series B of Blake's 7 – Trial.

Pressure Point Series B, Episode 5 - First broadcast 6 February 1979 And now on Maximum Power, Blake and his crew are brought right back down to Earth, as we discuss Episode 5 of Series B of Blake's 7 - Pressure Point. This week, although Si has been waiting for 18 days, Col is sure Blake is coming. Mark will dig us out eventually, and Pete will bury you! Will we all make it out alive from the multi-coloured corridors of doom? Find out as we discuss Terry Nation's return to the show.

Horizon Series B, Episode 4 - First broadcast 30 january 1979 And now on Maximum Power, despite space fatigue and too many space crises, the crew are ready to discuss Episode 4 of Series B of Blake's 7. This week, in an unlikely turn of events, Nathan becomes the Liberator's nurse, Peter reveals he's not an ideal teacher, Simon admits he's not an ideal pupil, and Si, well he's not expendable, he's not stupid and he's not going! Join us on a trip to the tropical mining world of Horizon!

Weapon Series B, Episode 3 - First broadcast 23 January 1979 This week on Maximum Power, brilliant and slightly unhinged Beta-grade technician Nathan has invented a rather curiously named weapon, and now he's on the run from the Federation, taking downtrodden and rather fabulous bond-slave Brendan with him. To catch them, James dons one of his best frocks and enlists the services of floaty-sleeved Clonemaster Adam Richard in the creation of a pair of clones, one to be killed for dramatic effect, the other to use in a convoluted plot to grab Nathan's weapon… So that's IMIPAK! Join us as we discuss Episode 3 of Series B of Blake's 7 - Weapon.

Shadow Series B, Episode 2 - First broadcast 16 January 1979 And now on Maximum Power, the Liberator crew head to Space City to enlist the support of shadowy drug-smuggling criminal syndicate the Terra Nostra in their fight against the Federation. This week as Si tries to negotiate with the Terra Nostra, Col is sneakily sampling the delights of the satellite of sin, while newcomer (and dark force from another dimension) Tim Dickinson is attempting to use James' strange and ill-defined telepathic abilities to break into our universe. Join us as we strive to break our addiction to Shadow, Episode 2 of Series B of Blake's 7.

Redemption Series B, Episode 1 - First broadcast 9 January 1979 And now on Maximum Power, everyone's had a haircut and found some new clothes, and we're being dragged inexorably towards Spaceworld and the beginning of Series B of Blake's 7. This week, Col is watching everything at half-speed, James is pondering the nature of prediction, Mark is wondering if we're being pulled to somewhere quite particular, Peter is admiring his floaty new outfit, and Si finds himself jammed in a tight space with an exposition slave, lucky him. Join us as we face Redemption!

And now on Maximum Power, we're excited to present the second part of our two-part interview with legendary director Michael E. Briant. In this week's episode, Michael talks to Si and Pete about his original concept for the flight deck of The Liberator, robots at Wookey Hole, and why he didn't return for Series B.

And now on Maximum Power, we're absolutely delighted to be joined by a very special guest, respected director and lovely man Michael E. Briant. Michael very kindly spent an evening talking with Si and Pete about his experiences working on Blake's 7. In the first part of a two-part interview Michael talks to us about the genesis of the show, his work on The Way Back and The Web, and his early influences. We would like to say a very big thank you to Michael for giving us his time, and to Jason Thompson of the Robots In Your Eyes podcast who helped us to make this happen.

We've reached the end of Series A, which has taken us from a carpark on a totalitarian Earth, via Cygnus Alpha, planet of the Decimas, Centero, the freighter Ortega, unnamed planet from Episode 8, unnamed planet from Episode 9, an inexpertly constructed Airfix model called XK-72, the Waterloo Tower in Quex Park in Kent, and the planet Cephlon, finally landing triumphantly on the planet Aristo. But what have we learned from the experience?

Orac Series A, Episode 13 - First broadcast 27 March 1978 And now on Maximum Power, the Liberator crew discover what a perspex box full of flashing lights is really worth as they meet Orac. This week Nathan is explaining to Si what went on last week, despite Si actually being there for the Deliverance podcast. Pete's willing to pay ten times what Orac is worth, while Brendan is a lot of trouble, as usual. Meanwhile Colin is all about the maps, the dazzlingly detailed maps. Join us as we laugh our way through Episode 13 of Series A of Blakes 7 - Orac.

Deliverance Series A, Episode 12 - First broadcast 20 March 1978 And now on Maximum Power, we're living in hope of Deliverance, and while we're at it having a good chat about Episode 12 of Series A of Blakes 7! This week Si is being worshipped by the lovely Meegat, counting himself that makes two people who think he's wonderful. Pete's been captured by hairly primitives, he's loving it. James is prepared to pay 100 million credits for Orac, and Mark finally gets his turn using the video walkman before it disappears from the show altogether. Let's hope they don't all spend too much time down on the irradiated, snowy planet of Cephalon.

Bounty Series A, Episode 11 - First broadcast 13 March 1978 And now on Maximum Power, Blake and Cally go in search of the chocolate planet of Lindor, or at least its ex-President Sarkoff, their bounty (but he doesn't want a bar of it). This week Nathan's reflexes are getting dull, the guards nearly fell over him before he heard them. James has a smashing time with Sarkoff's vinyl collection. Pete is making a personal investigation, personally. Meanwhile, we've lost Colin, he's just absolutely enticed by Tyce. Join us as we take a look at Episode 11 of Blake's 7 - Bounty!

Breakdown Series A, Episode 10 - First broadcast 6 March 1978 And now on Maximum Power, Gan finally gets his featured storyline, and spends most of the episode snoozing as his Limiter develops a breakdown. This week Brendan suggests a trip to neutral Space Station XK72 to sort out Gan's Limiter, while Simon would prefer to head to Cassiona or maybe Kainnessos. Mark's one of the greatest surgeons you'll ever see (just look at his hands), and Pete is considering his options because staying with Blake requires a degree of stupidity of which he no longer feels capable. Join the team as they take a look at Episode 10 of Blake's 7 –Breakdown.

Project Avalon Series A, Episode 9 - First broadcast 27 February 1978 This week on Maximum Power, the crew teleport down to a bleak ice planet in search of freedom fighter Avalon. But Travis has got there first, and he's got a little project in mind. While Si and Col don their extra-toasty heated Space Anoraks™ and prepare to meet Avalon with eager anticipation, Pete decides that he will contain his enthusiasm up on the Liberator, in the warm. James, meanwhile, seems a little cold and detached, is he upset or could it have something to do with Project Avalon?

Duel Series A, Episode 8 - First broadcast 20 February 1978 With the mighty Douglas Camfield at the helm, the Liberator crew face a dual duel in this week's jewel of an episode. This week on Maximum Power, Colin is rocking out to avant guard soundscapes, Nathan's got the Series A-B-C-D heebeegeebees, and Simon's spotted the potential for watching Blake's adventures and commenting on them (hmm, could that catch on?). Meanwhile, James is up a tree tossing nuts, Pete's stanning Stannis, and everybody's mispronouncing stasis. It's episode 8 of Blake's 7 - Duel!

Mission to Destiny Series A, Episode 7 – First broadcast 13 February 1978  And now on Maximum Power, Avon and Cally are Poirot and Marple on a Mission to Destiny. This week, Pete doesn't care if your whole world turns into a mushroom, Peter's people have a saying about trusting people or something. Don't worry about Si, he lacks affection and Simon has written something in blood... It says 54124. Now what could that possibly mean?!

Seek-Locate-Destroy Series A, Episode 6 – First broadcast 6 February 1978  And now on Maximum Power, we are down and safe on the planet Centero, which is definitely top secret and can in no way be infiltrated, for Episode 6 of Blake's 7 - Seek-Locate-Destroy. As nothing really happens in this episode, Pete is keeping busy playing with his new Acid-Squirting-Security-Robot™, while we are introduced to two vitally unimportant characters: Nathan the glamorous Supreme Commander in charge of shade, and James who is delighted when Nathan appoints him Space RADA Officer responsible for finding Blake. Si, meanwhile, is sneaking past the guards with his space lunchbox looking to do some damage, and Col is trapped in a cupboard.

The Web Series A, Episode 5 - First broadcast 30 January 1978 This week on Maximum Power, Colin has started acting strangely, he's been possessed by a strange alien force, and hijacks the podcast, piloting it towards a planet where it is trapped in an unbreakable web hanging in space. Pete teleports down to the planet where he meets diminutive creatures the Decimas, one of them asks for his help, but is killed by the silver-skinned Brendan, who takes him to his leader Peter, one of the Lost, a group of people exiled from the planet Auron. Join us as we squeal excitedly about the fifth episode of Blake's 7 - The Web.

Time Squad Series A, Episode 4 - First broadcast 23 January 1978 This week on Maximum Power, the crew discover a life support pod floating in space, full of frozen leather-clad homicidal maniacs, but Si's not frightened, he just looks murderous. Meanwhile, James has a chip on his shoulder and another in his head, his punishment for killing a security guard, but he had no choice “you see, he killed my woman." Arriving at Saurian Major to destroy the Federation communications complex, the crew meet oddly telepathic freedom fighters Peter and Simon, who've been hiding in the hills and avoiding the plants, several of which have designs on their bodies. Will these plucky newcomers return for more episodes? Well yes, if the teleport works in time. Brace yourself for veiny weirdos and underwhelming explosions as we discuss episode 4 of Blake's 7 - Time Squad!

Cygnus Alpha Series A, Episode 3 - First broadcast 16 January 1978 And now on Maximum Power, Brian Blessed stars as Space Jesus in episode 3 of Blake's 7 - Cygnus Alpha! This week, on discovering giant off-camera rooms full of jewels and clothes, Si and Mark decide to try their hand at cosplaying late 70s beige sci-fi TV shows. Col is too busy being telepathically manipulated by the ship's computer to notice what's going on. Brendan discovers he can handle two Liberator space hairdryers with ease, while crushing polystyrene bracelets with the other hand, and Pete presses some random buttons on the teleport and discovers that Brian Blessed contains a small controlled BBC pyrotechnic display when beamed into space.

Space Fall Series A, Episode 2 - First broadcast 9 January 1978 And now on Maximum Power, an army of five, plus him, comes together! In this episode Colin is upping the suppressants in his fellow podcasters' rations, he likes 'em docile. James finds out that the limit of his world from now is mess facilities, sleeping bays, a recreation area. Nathan has been practising his magic tricks to distract the guards. Pete wonders if he's ever met an honest man, and Si is noting down everything that was said or done by everybody for his report. Join us as we look at the second episode of Blake's 7 - Space Fall.

The Way Back Series A, Episode 1 - First broadcast 2 January 1978 And now on Maximum Power, drugs, sex, show trials, massacres and women being pulled by the hair, in the first episode of the new family space opera, Blakes 7! In this episode, Colin has had vis-tapes from his family twice a year, so everything is obviously fine. James has gone without food or drink for 36 hours and is hungry and thirsty. Nathan has been thinking about leaving the dome and going outside, which we all know is a category 4 crime. Pete has been bopping away to his vidi-walkman all through his shift in the records office, and Si has had his head adjusted by some of the best in the business, but it just won't stay adjusted. Join us as we all look for The Way Back!