Vere Lorrimer Movies

One of the most popular drama series on British television, Tenko was the fact-based saga of a group of English and European women living in Singapore at the outbreak of WWII. After the Japanese invasion, these women were rounded up by their Imperial Army captors and deposited in a variety of concentration camps. Despite the most appalling of conditions and deprivations, most of the valiant female protagonists managed to survive the ordeal, all the stronger for the experience. The huge distaff cast included Ann Bell, Stephanie Beacham, and Renee Asherton, with Burt Kwouk, best known for his portrayal of karate-chopping manservant Kato in the Pink Panther movies, doing an impressive job as grim, implacable camp commandant Major Yamauchi. Created by Lavinia Warner, the 30 episodes of Tenko (ranging in length from 30 to 55 minutes) were originally broadcast by BBC1 from 1981 to 1984. A one-off sequel, Tenko Reunion, aired in 1985; set in the 1950s, this film managed to incorporate a murder-mystery subplot in what was otherwise a straightforward "ten years after" drama. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

The crew of the Liberator lands upon what appears to be an uncharted planet. The disturbing telepathic reaction of Cally (Jan Chappell) is the first clue that this gigantic "world" is actually a huge computer, which remains alive by sapping the intellects of others. Not surprisingly, the computer sets its sights on the "inner workings" of Cally and her comrades, Dayna (Josette Simon), Avon (Paul Darrow), and Tarrant (Steven Pacey). "Ultraworld" was originally broadcast on March 10, 1980. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Anxious to obtain some crystals necessary to activate the Liberator's weaponry, Avon (Paul Darrow) enters into a slightly unsavory arrangement with criminal leader Bayban the Beserker (Colin Baker). In exchange for Bayban's assistance, Vila (Michael Keating) must use his lock-picking skills to open up a fourth-dimensional space portal. The plot thickens when Vila falls in love with Bayban's henchperson, Kerril (Carol Hawkins). "City at the Edge of the World" first aired on February 11, 1980. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Blake (Gareth Thomas) and his crew launch a search for a valuable crystal, necessary to decode messages from the Federation. At the same time, a space vessel that has been missing for 700 years returns to the Federation base. Unfortunately, the ship carries a deadly virus, which ultimately infects the all-important decoding crystals. Once again, it is up to crew member Avon (Paul Darrow) to figure a way out of the present predicament. "Killer" was originally broadcast on February 20, 1979. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

A revolution against the Federation takes place on the planet Albion. Blake (Gareth Thomas) and his crew arrive on the planet in hopes of soliciting the aid of Space Major Provine (Paul Shelley), who supposedly knows the location of the Federation's Central Control. First, however, a powerful bomb must be defused by Avon (Paul Darrow) -- a task complicated by the non-cooperation of Del Grant (Tom Chadbon), the embittered brother of Avon's former lover. "Countdown" was initially telecast on March 6, 1979. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

The crew pilots the Liberator to Centero, where they hope to locate a Federation decoding device. Meanwhile, Supreme Commander Servalan (Jacqueline Pearce, in her first series appearance) dispatches Blake's old enemy, Travis (Stephen Greif, likewise making his series bow), to destroy the resistance movement in any way he chooses. Travis' strategy is one of the oldest in the book: He captures Cally, using her as bait to flush out Blake.
"Seek-Locate-Destroy" originally aired on February 6, 1978. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

After rescuing Jenna (Sally Knyvette) from the hostile natives of Cephelon, Blake (Gareth Thomas) must evade Servalan (Jacqueline Pearce) long enough to deliver much-needed medical supplies to the scientist Ensor (Derek Farr) on the planet Aristo. Alas, Blake is too late: Ensor has died. Fortunately, Blake and his comrades have "inherited" Ensor's high-tech computer Orac, which -- less fortunately -- serves up a future vision showing the utter destruction of the Liberator and its crew. And on this "cliffhanger" note, the first season of Blakes 7 draws to a close. "Orac" originally aired on March 27, 1978. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi