Original Blake’s 7 Star Shares Vision for Reboot’s Success

The excitement surrounding the development of a reboot for the iconic sci-fi series Blake’s 7 has sparked significant discussion, particularly from original cast member Sally Knyvette. The actress, who portrayed Flight Officer Jenna Stannis from 1978 to 1981, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “It’s about time!” Knyvette, who stepped away from the series after the second season due to dissatisfaction with her character’s development, hopes that the new team, led by director Peter Hoar, executive producer Matthew Bouch, and producer Jason Haigh-Ellery, will successfully bring the show back to life.

Knyvette has outlined several key elements she believes are essential for the reboot’s success. Firstly, she emphasizes the need for the series to remain politically engaged while avoiding the pitfalls of being perceived as “too woke.” She remarked, “Don’t let it be too woke. I couldn’t agree more. Let it stick to what it’s about – the evil forces of the Federation.” Knyvette acknowledged the importance of addressing current global issues but urged the creators to maintain the original show’s essence of rebellion against oppressive forces.

In discussing female representation, Knyvette expressed a strong desire for the reboot to feature powerful women in significant roles. Reflecting on her experiences in the industry, she noted, “The way women are being treated now is infinitely better… and it’d be great to see some strong, powerful women characters in there, young and old.” Knyvette even suggested that the character of Blake could be reimagined as a woman, stating, “Absolutely yes. Women are just as natural leaders as men – I would argue probably even better.”

The original series was known for its complex characters and engaging narratives, and Knyvette hopes the reboot will honor that legacy. She expressed a wish to retain key elements from the original show, including beloved characters like the sophisticated computers Zen and ORAC. Knyvette reflected on the performances of Jacqueline Pearce, who portrayed the villainous Servalan, and Stephen Greif, who played Travis, highlighting their contributions to the show’s unique tone.

Knyvette stressed the importance of keeping the reboot focused on character-driven storytelling and maintaining the witty dialogue that characterized the original series. “I’d love to see the moral ethos of the show continue: stand by what you believe… Keep it witty too,” she said. This character-driven approach, she believes, will resonate with audiences in today’s complex world.

As discussions about the reboot continue within the Blake’s 7 fandom, Knyvette remains hopeful that the new iteration will mirror the magic of the original cast’s chemistry. She concluded by expressing her desire for the reboot to serve as a platform for empowerment and balance within the current socio-political landscape, stating, “Let’s see something really original and exciting. It’s a great time to do it.”

With its rich legacy, the reboot of Blake’s 7 holds the potential to not only rekindle the adventures of Roj Blake and his band of rebels but also to introduce fresh perspectives that resonate with contemporary audiences. Knyvette’s insights reflect a thoughtful approach to this beloved series’ revival, ensuring that it remains relevant while honoring its roots.