Gambit (20 Mar. 1979)

The Liberator travels to the gambling paradise of Freedom City, where Blake is in search of a cybernetics surgeon known as Docholli who knows the location of Star One, the Federation power ... See full summary »

Director:

George Spenton-Foster

Writers:

Robert Holmes, Terry Nation (creator)

Stars:

Gareth Thomas, Sally Knyvette, Paul Darrow

Cast

Episode cast overview, first billed only:
Gareth Thomas	...	Roj Blake
Sally Knyvette	...	Jenna Stannis
Paul Darrow	...	Kerr Avon
Jan Chappell	...	Cally
Michael Keating	...	Vila Restal
Peter Tuddenham	...	Orac (voice)
Jacqueline Pearce	...	Supreme Commander Servalan
Brian Croucher	...	Travis
Aubrey Woods	...	Krantor
Denis Carey	...	Docholli
Nicolette Roeg	...	Chenie
Sylvia Coleridge	...	Croupier
Paul Grist	...	Cevedic
John Leeson	...	Toise
Harry Jones	...	Jarriere

Storyline

The Liberator travels to the gambling paradise of Freedom City, where Blake is in search of a cybernetics surgeon known as Docholli who knows the location of Star One, the Federation power base. But Serverlan has implanted a bomb in Travis's robotic arm, which will kill both Blake and Travis, and Travis requires Docholli's help to remove the bomb.

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Genres:

Adventure | Drama | Sci-Fi

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Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

20 March 1979 (UK)

Filming Locations:

Royal Festival Hall, South Bank Centre, South Bank, Lambeth, London, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

52 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Trivia

The title word "gambit" is a chess term: a gambit is is a chess opening in which one player sacrifices material (usually a pawn) in order to achieve a better position.

User Reviews

Horrid!

Clearly rushed with sloppy direction, plot holes, cheap sets and costumes and bad blocking, this is one of the absolute low points of Blake's 7 replete with a "spit take" for Avon. Even taken as an over the top counterpoint to the mostly serious and dour episodes of the second season, this is clearly an over correction. Bad French accents, aging sexpots (?), and large amounts of exposition to explain away the ridiculous plot don't help what is essentially a mess. The throwaway introduction of shrinking technology and a throwaway ending complete the experience. Travis and Servalan are more OTT than usual (who knew that was possible?) and the new character, Krantor, while initially amusing becomes tiring as the actor attempts to out camp the competition. A silly outing that is best forgotten.