The moment came, and I saw that red light come on over the camera, which meant the camera was live and pointing at me, and we were going out… I think I’d reached that point where complete and utter fear fades into the serenity of fatalism. (Andy Kershaw on his first live Whistle Test, 1984)

As feared, I couldn't resist revising the essay in light of the two new Master Plan episodes. However, they're important discoveries in the context of Camfield's approach to direction. You can find it clearly marked, early on in the essay, in the 'Douglas Camfield and Blake's 7' chapter.

The next 'Directors of Blake's 7' essay is a deep 'wallop' into the work of Douglas Camfield. Expect The Sweeney, a video that showcases an alternative 'Duel', and no doubt subsequent revisions in light of the recovered Daleks' Master Plan! pinkforyouractualpterodactyl.com/2026/03/30/t...

I started writing an essay about Douglas Camfield a couple of months ago. The question is, do I release it this side of Daleks’ Master Plan day, or the other side of it???

Day of the Daleks (BBC TV, 1972)

It’s marvellous. 💯

I've just been reflecting on my attempts to visualise Bret Vyon's magnetic chair, before news of the missing episodes was announced. ...I wasn't even close.

Meanwhile, over on Facebook, the news of the missing episodes has resulted in jubilant celebrations.

Immediately excited by whatever chair Bret Vyon is sitting on in The Daleks Master Plan.

How Blake's 7, or specifically Paul Darrow, disrupts film editing theory.

How Blake's 7, or specifically Paul Darrow, disrupts film editing theory.

“What the Brigadier wants to know is… …are the daff’s deadly?”

I'm currently writing another 'The Directors of Blake's 7' essay, and enjoying referring to this rather lovely cinematic image, which might be familiar to those of a similar age to me.

Given it was broadcasted 51 years ago today, I thought I’d dig these out.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Another new chair of Blake's 7. This time from 'Mission to Destiny'. More details in the updated 'The Chairs of Blake's 7'. watchingblakes7.wordpress.com/2019/06/18/t...

The Ancient Artefacts of Ancient Blake's 7 #011 'Bounty' Horn/funnel gramophone. Circa 1905-1920 Manufacturer unknown (there were lots of similar designs around this period).

The ancient artefacts of Blake's 7 #010 'Time Squad', 'Seek-Locate-Destroy', Mission to Destiny', 'Project Avalon', 'Bounty'. Glacière camping cooler. #blakes7

The ancient artefacts of Blake's 7 #009 'Children of Auron' Vp xx (1971) Artist: Victor Vasarely (1906–1997)

The ancient artefacts of Blake's 7 #009 'Children of Auron' Vp xx (1971) Artist: Victor Vasarely (1906–1997)

The ancient artefacts of Blake's 7 #008 'Breakdown' ‘Camtrace’ ECG monitor - Cambridge Medical Instruments Ltd, 1977.

The ancient artefacts of Blake's 7 #008 'Breakdown' ‘Camtrace’ ECG monitor - Cambridge Medical Instruments Ltd, 1977.

The Ancient Artefacts of Blake's 7 #007 'Gambit' Ignore the gold trimmings, this French 17th century Louis style triple dressing table mirror is Krantor's video device. Designer and date unknown.

The Ancient Artefacts of Blake's 7 #007 'Gambit' Ignore the gold trimmings, this French 17th century Louis style triple dressing table mirror is Krantor's video device. Designer and date unknown.

The Ancient Artefacts of Blake's 7 #006 'Weapon' Craven Motorcycle topbox. 1970s

The Ancient Artefacts of Blake's 7 #005 'The Way Back' A tentative one, this. I think this is another Mario Bellini design - the Olivetti Divisumma 18, from 1973. I think it's been 'repurposed' for television.

The ancient artefacts of Blake's 7 #004 'The Way Back' Olivetti Logos 41 printing calculator. Mario Bellini for Olivetti. United States, 1977. #blakes7

The ancient artefacts of Blake's 7 #004 'The Way Back' Olivetti Logos 41 printing calculator. Mario Bellini for Olivetti. United States, 1977. #blakes7

The ancient artefacts of Blake's 7 #003 'The Way Back' 1975 Olivetti TC-800 Financial Terminal System Computer/Calculator #blakes7

More Blake's 7 riches. This time from 'Orac', as Ensor swigs from these 'Avena' (Ice Glass Vases) by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala, Finland, circa 1970 #blakes7

The ancient artefacts of Blake's 7 #003 'The Way Back' 1975 Olivetti TC-800 Financial Terminal System Computer/Calculator #blakes7

More Blake's 7 riches. This time from 'Orac', as Ensor swigs from these 'Avena' (Ice Glass Vases) by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala, Finland, circa 1970 #blakes7

Had a moment to spare. Doesn't happen much. Decided that I'd search for Raiker's flask from Blake's 7 'Space Fall'. A 1970s Thermos 'Vacuum Jug'.

The Chairs of Blake's 7 - NEW CHAIR ALERT. Cobra SF6 trucker seat. @dansquier.bsky.social posted something that reminded me to try harder, and then I tripped over it – in blue velour! Hats off to Roger Cann and his team for the new upholstery. watchingblakes7.wordpress.com/2019/06/18/t...

And we’re off…!!! First review is now live: come see what I thought of The Way Back here 👇 boxofflashinglights.wordpress.com/2026/01/02/t...

New Years Eve 40 years ago! Whistle Test Pick of the Year. youtu.be/56b2JZMqh0k?...

The Directors of Blake's 7. This first essay focuses on George Spenton-Foster. It contains some rare images of the man himself. Hope you enjoy. And if you do, feel free to buy me a coffee. Merry Christmas in advance! pinkforyouractualpterodactyl.com/2025/12/17/t... #blakes7 #doctorwho

Currently on my bike and recreating the opening of Invasion of the Dinosaurs, with Plymouth subbing for a deserted London. Merry Christmas!

Very much enjoyed the Innes Lloyd documentary. Fascinating to get a greater sense of his contributions. Particularly interested in his options about the relationship between producer and director.

It's funny when you see a location used on a TV production that is synonymous with something else. Here's the British Oxygen pool from Doctor Who 'The Invasion of Time'. Substitute Sontarans, savages and Time Lords, with executives, seafood salads and champagne. Play for Today: The Network (1979)

#GaudaPrimeDay recommendation: This superb in-depth read on George Spenton-Foster I’ve always though his direction on his two Doctor Who stories was excellent, but that he messed up all four of his Blake’s 7 (all four of which I otherwise love. Yes, even that one)…

Yuletide felicitations! The 1975 Christmas 'Radio TV Times' magazine is now available! 🎁 Explore 10 days of December 1975’s TV listings across both BBC and ITV. Open the PDF, click on a programme title and start streaming from various platforms. 🤶 visualmutterings.com/1975-christm...

The Directors of Blake's 7. This first essay focuses on George Spenton-Foster. It contains some rare images of the man himself. Hope you enjoy. And if you do, feel free to buy me a coffee. Merry Christmas in advance! pinkforyouractualpterodactyl.com/2025/12/17/t... #blakes7 #doctorwho

Ive whittled it down. The first Blake’s 7 director essay will be one of these three, whose names are so long they won’t fit on a credit!

I’m resurrecting my old ‘Watching Blake’s 7’ blog in a week or three, with a series of essays on the directors of #blakes7 Given the choice, who would you like to read about first?

Here's a picture of Mary Habberfield, who, as the sound editor for Ealing Studios, was responsible for the famous 'Guggle Glub Gurgle' sound effect from 'The Man in the White Suit'. It only took five years to find a photo of her. 🤷‍♂️

Happy Doctor Who day everyone!

Hope everyone going to the #blakes7 screening at the BFI has a most excellent time. Flippin’ annoyed that I can’t be there, but fingers crossed for series C. The two episodes are lite on chairs, but I’m sure you’ll keep an eye open for the Chadwick sofa in Redemption 😂😂