B09: Countdown: The Bomb Was Never the Problem

**Teleporting in... welcome to Federation Strike: A Journey Through Blake's 7!** A spoiler straight out the gate from us: Countdown is the best episode we've covered in our entire Blake's 7 journey so far, and we're calling that without hesitation. It's a Terry Nation script with a cold open that throws you straight into a firefight, a ticking clock that builds real tension, and loads of character work packed into 50 minutes. The Avon and Del Grant thread is where we spend the most time: what's actually driving Avon in those scenes, what Blake quietly stepping up for him reveals, and why a seemingly throwaway scene between Provine and a rebel is one of the most morally loaded things the show has done. We also talk about Vila getting some brilliant moments, our ongoing frustration with Jenna and Cally being sidelined for what feels like the fourth episode running, and the Blu-ray's new effects, which genuinely impress us more here than anywhere else in Series B so far. We're teleporting out for now! Thanks for listening, and don't forget to follow and subscribe on your preferred podcast app so you never miss an episode. You can also join the conversation and stay updated by following us on Twitter/X and Bluesky. We'd love to hear your thoughts and theories! Join us next time as we continue our journey through the universe of Blake’s 7.