Avalon responds to a call for aid – but things are not what they seem…

The opening episode of this series paralleled events in the opening episode of Blake’s 7 and this finale – for now – moves things forward to lead into Avalon’s sole TV appearance, in Project Avalon. We’re on the same world (which now gets a name) with Avalon blackmailing her way there and then seeing an opportunity to get at not one but two juicy targets – Travis and the President. Steve Lyons doesn’t just set the scene for the TV story, but gives us a good look at what’s been driving Avalon across the past months – and the things that she’s perhaps lost sight of along the way. There’s at least one moment where you seriously wonder if she knows what she’s doing…

It’s good to hear Hugh Fraser’s President more incorporated into the mythology of the show. While Servalan could be an enemy for the Blake’s 7 continuation stories on audio, that’s not possible here without recasting, and I rather like the idea of hearing more of the interactions between Fraser and the other characters (and potentially a certain former pilot of his) as we move forward.

Olivia Poulet gives colour to the differing sides of Avalon that we hear here – from rabble rouser to military strategist – and Stephen Greif’s Travis is as cold as the planet they’re on. David Roocroft’s sound design and score bring the reality of an overwhelmed rebellion to life well – the confusion of battle is there without us losing “sight” of our lead characters – and John Ainsworth stretches out the cat and mouse element of the middle part of the episode neatly.

Verdict: This first spin-off from Blake’s 7 has been a well plotted, acted and produced series that ends on a high note. 9/10

Paul Simpson

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