I tend to swing back and forth on it. It doesn't seem like something Avon would choose from the wardrobe room, but it looks okay apart from the big shoulder pieces. We see Avon sitting down later (during the discussion with Max) and we see his boots have enormous soles. They look like something KISS would wear, and Avon looks really stiff in them, as though he can't sit properly because the elevated soles would force his knees up too high. Overall, it doesn't quite come together.

Though, now I reflect on it, both the shoulders and heels give him more stature. Possibly what he wants when going to a planet on a war footing to confront his sick friend, or anyone else he runs across. Like trying to make yourself look bigger if you meet a bear.

Also that the idea isn't that great. If you lose, you just start a real war. "Real war, not children's games like all this." In a serious situation - which they'd all have to be - there's no guarantee the decision would be adhered to.

I thought the implication was that there'd only be a real war if someone was caught cheating.

Which rather suggests that the wars are all rather petty border disputes, probably involving the same few planets which are rather resigned to changing hands every few years, Berwick-upon-Tweed style.

That's right, but I can't see it working in real life.

But the difference this time is that Servalan has seen a chance here, given the state of the Federation. She's doing some empire building.

The costumes they run around in are a little outlandish. "Conceal yourself anywhere, use stealth, but wear these bright silver suits."

Servalan is on top of her political game here.

Their post-killing discussion is well-written.

Urban spacemen. It's very Sam Peckinpah.

Or Neil Innes.

I think they overlooked it. If all the environments are computer-generated, a spaceship environment would presumably be 'spaceship in flight'. Hopefully they fix it on the Blu-ray.

Around the same time, The Professionals were running around in the same warehouse.

Maybe the whole of Teal/Vandor is as naive as Max? That's why they have agreed to this kind of war game. (Plus, it brings on a lot of money for the television people).

"As ever, Dayna, gaudy but effective." - Tarrant uses the 'gaudy but effective' line in an earlier episode.

OK, folks, I need to leave you to natter - my weekend guest is demanding a continuation of an from a previous visit unfinished board game (she took a photo of the board, and is resetting it all as we speak). Hope you have a great week!

I tend to feel that technically the Vinni android should be quick enough to turn round and kill Tarrant at the end, but perhaps it isn't quite that superhuman.

I tend to feel that technically the Vinni android should be quick enough to turn round and kill Tarrant at the end, but perhaps it isn't quite that superhuman.

But an excellent episode - sparkling script, great performances, good all round.

Such a great ending - "You are now the First Champion of Teal" and then the simultaneous call to be teleported out of there.

I think that's why Tarrant lies down, but yes, Vinni's reaction should have been faster (but then, perhaps too when Deeta holsters his gun and speaks to Vinni.)

I think that's why Tarrant lies down, but yes, Vinni's reaction should have been faster (but then, perhaps too when Deeta holsters his gun and speaks to Vinni.)

Not sure if I'll be here next week. Depends on if I get to Sydney, in which case, have a good rewatch next time and I'll catch up with you on another planet.

Go well everyone.

It's a terrific episode. All the characters get something to do, Cally uses her telepathy, Dayna gets to hold up Servalan, and her father's death is remembered. As lots of people note, it is a very 'SF' concept, but particularly the idea of everyone being able to join in on the kill and thus, Tarrant intimately experiencing his brother's death, is both an admirable story-telling idea (from outside the story) and tragic (from within it). Servalan's plot to take advantage of things is believable and brings some political machinations back to B7, plus the legalese of rule violations and championship succession, etc. Not to mention a few funny lines -- though Avon's 'Oh good' smile to Tarrant being willing to cheat looks more PD than Kerr Avon.

It's a terrific episode. All the characters get something to do, Cally uses her telepathy, Dayna gets to hold up Servalan, and her father's death is remembered. As lots of people note, it is a very 'SF' concept, but particularly the idea of everyone being able to join in on the kill and thus, Tarrant intimately experiencing his brother's death, is both an admirable story-telling idea (from outside the story) and tragic (from within it). Servalan's plot to take advantage of things is believable and brings some political machinations back to B7, plus the legalese of rule violations and championship succession, etc. Not to mention a few funny lines -- though Avon's 'Oh good' smile to Tarrant being willing to cheat looks more PD than Kerr Avon.