Freedom fighter Avalon has returned to Earth – but what can she achieve against the Federation?

After the passing of both Gareth Thomas and Paul Darrow, there were many who wondered whether the era of Blake’s 7 full cast audios had gone. However, Big Finish has taken something of a left turn, and started to chronicle more tales of what’s going on in the Federation around the years that Blake/Avon were in operation – and if they can maintain the level of this first set, then I suspect they’ve hit another winner.

Olivia Poulet took over the role of Avalon for the 40th anniversary release a few years back, and has the chance to expand the role considerably beyond what we learned both in that and the character’s appearance in the Series A episode. Partnering her with Sally Knyvette’s Jenna for this opener allows us to see Avalon through the eyes of a character we know well (albeit one before she’s entangled with Blake), and there’s a ruthlessness to Avalon that makes the hero worship of young Fay (Becky Wright) feel uncomfortable. She’s also a good judge of character – in that she knows the buttons to press to achieve her aims.

William Ellis and Nicholas Asbury are strong guest stars, with Steve Lyons’ script doing a nice job of quietly world-building, alongside providing some wry smiles (the final line of the episode, notably). Director John Ainsworth ratchets up the tension as necessary, with Simon Power’s music and sound design allowed to carry the weight when needed. Power also provides the series theme which feels reminiscent of the 70s theme tune compilation arrangements rather than a Dudley Simpson pastiche.

Verdict: A welcome return to the third century of the second calendar… 8/10

Paul Simpson

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