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UK Rewatch - C8 Rumours Of Death (Tuesday, August 26th)
trevor travis
The episode: Colin Eight – Rumours Of Death (Carry On Killing Squirrels)
The date: Tuesday, August 26th, 2025
The time: 7.45pm UK time

In which we return to Earth for the third and final time, just in time for a coup against Servalan’s Presidency, which by a huge, whacking, massive coincidence that you have to forgive television for sometimes is led by Avon’s girlfriend just as he is returning to take revenge against those responsible for her death. But the rumours of her death have been greatly exaggerated, although Avon can fix that for us, so that he can steal the Mark Twain quote all for himself. Also, Avon needs a shave and a good clean-up (any volunteers to help out with the scrubbing brush?); Bercol gets a new job; and the poor security chaps find out this day is quite a bit worse than others.

Episode in a word: Dark. Or maybe Magnificent, because this is one of the best 55 minutes of television that you’re likely to see. Chris Boucher, you were ace.
Characters to cheer: Not sure if there is anyone. Actually, let’s go for Servie (yes, I know, I always go for Servie, but’s she the best and most stylish villain in anything ever, so there!). She maintains her dignity throughout, whether being abducted from her own office, or being chained to a wall in her own cellar. And Forres provides a bit of comic relief. Well, until he dies, of course. It’s THAT kind of episode.
Actor to cheer: Paul Darrow put in the performance of his career, as Avon gradually finds out the truth behind his “dead” girlfriend.
Characters to boo: Vila, for almost getting Avon killed at the end. It’s one occasion where he needed to be just a bit alert and sober for just a few hours. And Anna Grant or Bartolomew or Sula or whatever she’s calling herself this week is a bit of a rotter, to be honest. She clearly is after taking Servie’s place, whatever she tries to claim. In the forthcoming ‘People’s Council’, Anna will be more equal than anyone else. Avon does pick them.
Is Soolin looking lovely this week?: Yes.
Recognisable Face: David Haig (Forres) has gone on to carve out a career as a very well-respected actor and playwright. Plus the dead squirrel reappeared in an episode of Blackadder The Third.
Best exchange: I could quote the whole cellar scene, which is simply brilliant from beginning to end. But let’s go for: AVON: “Have you murdered your way to the wall of an underground room?” SERVALAN: “It's an old wall, Avon, it waits. I hope you don't die before you reach it.”

Blake's 7 will return in… Carry On Kissing Corpses
Vote Og.
 
Brad
This episode is the heart of B7, and inspired (or was ripped off by) JMS for Babylon 5, in which (spoilers)
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it turns out the main characters wife, whom he thought long dead, is alive and working for the enemy... and is named Anna.

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i.postimg.cc/VkSr4fwS/Fu-Z0Mn2.png
Cockatoo? What Cockatoo? I don't see a Cockatoo!
 
Joe Dredd
Lorna Heilbron was married to Nicholas Clay, who played Lancelot in John Boorman's "Excalibur".
 
OneSparePart
I know this is a great episode...but not for me... I like the last part in the cellar but the rest? I can't get on with it. So I won't spoil your viewing, I will be absent. Enjoy the rewatch. I know how special this is to the vast majority. Have a blast!
Silflay hraka, u embleer rah!
 
Paula

Joe Dredd wrote: ↑

Lorna Heilbron was married to Nicholas Clay, who played Lancelot in John Boorman's "Excalibur".


This is true. I also read where Lorna is now a psychologist and not acting anymore? She does the occasional signing but that is it, I am told.
Resist the Host




 
Brad
From the Electronic Journal of Roj Bear (Avon's Teddy if you are new to these)

The Klingons say revenge is a dish best served cold. I bet they never knew how cold it could be. The Boss let himself get captured, all so he could take revenge on the Fed who killed his cuddle partner, Anna Grant. You remember her brother, the very non cuddly and non ginger (no matter what anyone says) Del Grant. Del Grant wanted to kill The Boss because he thought The Boss had gotten his sister killed…

All I can say is, it's a good thing Del Grant was only contracted for one episode….

So, the Boss gets the Shrinker, but guess what, he didn’t kill Anna, never saw her, but he gave the Boss a name. So, The Boss goes to see Servalan, to find out who goes with that name. Only Servalan is under lock and key because some Fed Lady has launched a coup.

As if this whole mess were a really good script, all the loose ends come together right at the end, in the same place at the same time….

Somehow The Boss survived, but I bet it will be a long time before I, or anyone else, gets a cuddle from The Boss.

TTFN,

Roj Bear

PS better copyright this whole plot line before someone on a Babylon station steals it.

PPS Please don’t ask how the Feds never found me when they searched The Boss. Remember, I am fully animatronic and programmed to act as if I am sentient, and I am small enough not to need a very large hiding place. I know it’s a thin argument, but it’s still a lot better than some of the canonical plot devices we’ve seen lately.

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i.postimg.cc/VkSr4fwS/Fu-Z0Mn2.png
Cockatoo? What Cockatoo? I don't see a Cockatoo!
 
littlesue
Rumours was one of the episodes chosen to be shown by the attendees of Space City 1985.
Imagine 250 of us in a room watching this episode on a big TV screen.,,,,not a dry eye in the house!!!!
Cold! You don't know the meaning of the word cold!
Cold is when you have ice on the INSIDE of your window!!


Sue's Book Shelf https://www.mediafire.com/folder/z1xg...Zine_Shelf

Rebel Run Video https://youtu.be/8prqS-XZtLo
 
Lorna
I wish I had known other fans were out there in 1985!!!!
I look behind me, what do I see? A pair of golden wings seem to be attached to me.
 
littlesue

Lorna wrote: ↑

I wish I had known other fans were out there in 1985!!!!


I still can't remember how I found out about the Teal Vandor Convention in 1981. But I met so many people there who I kept in contact with and I also joined the LPF which was a life line back then before the internet
Cold! You don't know the meaning of the word cold!
Cold is when you have ice on the INSIDE of your window!!


Sue's Book Shelf https://www.mediafire.com/folder/z1xg...Zine_Shelf

Rebel Run Video https://youtu.be/8prqS-XZtLo
 
OracVZen

Lorna wrote: ↑

I wish I had known other fans were out there in 1985!!!!


Same here,
Hi Lorna
I plan to live forever,or die trying.
Maximum Power
Seek-locate-destroy.
[img]https://postimg.cc/gallery/yVLnSLW/[img]
 
M1795537OCVirn
Bit of a disaster here - my supermarket is SOLD OUT of PC Pringles. I suppose I should be glad for all the people who are enjoying them, but there are limits.
Anyway, how is everyone? Ready to watch the President being magnificent again? Good.
"You're not sulking, I hope?"
 
Paula
Hello all- Rumours to me is the heart of Blake's 7. It's probably my favorite of them all and as I've often said, the third series seems to be so character driven and intense- with an episode for Vila, Cally and now Avon. Just love this episode. Except Anna.
Resist the Host




 
OracVZen
Assam tea, 2 Jaffa cake biscuits,handful of chocolate buttons,
I plan to live forever,or die trying.
Maximum Power
Seek-locate-destroy.
[img]https://postimg.cc/gallery/yVLnSLW/[img]
 
OracVZen

M1795537OCVirn wrote: ↑

Bit of a disaster here - my supermarket is SOLD OUT of PC Pringles. I suppose I should be glad for all the people who are enjoying them, but there are limits.
Anyway, how is everyone? Ready to watch the President being magnificent again? Good.


Same for salted caramel thins
Hi M179
I plan to live forever,or die trying.
Maximum Power
Seek-locate-destroy.
[img]https://postimg.cc/gallery/yVLnSLW/[img]
 
OracVZen
Hi littleSue,Paula
I plan to live forever,or die trying.
Maximum Power
Seek-locate-destroy.
[img]https://postimg.cc/gallery/yVLnSLW/[img]
 
Lorna
I have some plums curtesy of a neighbour
Edited by Lorna on 26-08-2025 18:42
I look behind me, what do I see? A pair of golden wings seem to be attached to me.
 
littlesue

M1795537OCVirn wrote: ↑

Bit of a disaster here - my supermarket is SOLD OUT of PC Pringles. I suppose I should be glad for all the people who are enjoying them, but there are limits.
Anyway, how is everyone? Ready to watch the President being magnificent again? Good.


I have quite a stash of PC Pringles...just in case!!!
Cold! You don't know the meaning of the word cold!
Cold is when you have ice on the INSIDE of your window!!


Sue's Book Shelf https://www.mediafire.com/folder/z1xg...Zine_Shelf

Rebel Run Video https://youtu.be/8prqS-XZtLo
 
Paula

Lorna wrote: ↑

I wish I had known other fans were out there in 1985!!!!


I know. We felt like we were the only ones around until I started researching and found Horizon the next year and joined, and then joined a few other USA based groups, not defunct. There are plenty of fans, only we didn't have the means to find each other in the early days. Now, it's a lot easier with the internet.
Resist the Host




 
OracVZen
Started my new job today as work finished training at 12, The as bank support staff with adults,play paddle tennis with them,knackered lol
I plan to live forever,or die trying.
Maximum Power
Seek-locate-destroy.
[img]https://postimg.cc/gallery/yVLnSLW/[img]
 
littlesue

OracVZen wrote: ↑

M1795537OCVirn wrote: ↑

Bit of a disaster here - my supermarket is SOLD OUT of PC Pringles. I suppose I should be glad for all the people who are enjoying them, but there are limits.
Anyway, how is everyone? Ready to watch the President being magnificent again? Good.


Same for salted caramel thins
Hi M179


I have stash of those too......

So let me see. Mug of Yorkshire, shortcake biccies and said salted caramel choccie thins!!!
Cold! You don't know the meaning of the word cold!
Cold is when you have ice on the INSIDE of your window!!


Sue's Book Shelf https://www.mediafire.com/folder/z1xg...Zine_Shelf

Rebel Run Video https://youtu.be/8prqS-XZtLo
 
Brad
I just love a story with a happy ending.....

.
.

i.postimg.cc/VkSr4fwS/Fu-Z0Mn2.png
Cockatoo? What Cockatoo? I don't see a Cockatoo!
 
OracVZen

Paula wrote: ↑

Lorna wrote: ↑

I wish I had known other fans were out there in 1985!!!!


I know. We felt like we were the only ones around until I started researching and found Horizon the next year and joined, and then joined a few other USA based groups, not defunct. There are plenty of fans, only we didn't have the means to find each other in the early days. Now, it's a lot easier with the internet.


I was on this site from 2000, then again 2011, then last few years,also on other site years ago
I plan to live forever,or die trying.
Maximum Power
Seek-locate-destroy.
[img]https://postimg.cc/gallery/yVLnSLW/[img]
 
Paula

OracVZen wrote: ↑

Started my new job today as work finished training at 12, The as bank support staff with adults,play paddle tennis with them,knackered lol


Good on you. Wish you all the best!
Resist the Host




 
OracVZen

littlesue wrote: ↑

OracVZen wrote: ↑

M1795537OCVirn wrote: ↑

Bit of a disaster here - my supermarket is SOLD OUT of PC Pringles. I suppose I should be glad for all the people who are enjoying them, but there are limits.
Anyway, how is everyone? Ready to watch the President being magnificent again? Good.


Same for salted caramel thins
Hi M179


I have stash of those too......

So let me see. Mug of Yorkshire, shortcake biccies and said salted caramel choccie thins!!!


Send to me littleSue
I plan to live forever,or die trying.
Maximum Power
Seek-locate-destroy.
[img]https://postimg.cc/gallery/yVLnSLW/[img]
 
OracVZen
Hello Brad
I plan to live forever,or die trying.
Maximum Power
Seek-locate-destroy.
[img]https://postimg.cc/gallery/yVLnSLW/[img]
 
littlesue

Paula wrote: ↑

OracVZen wrote: ↑

Started my new job today as work finished training at 12, The as bank support staff with adults,play paddle tennis with them,knackered lol


Good on you. Wish you all the best!

Same here, OVZ. Hope all goes well for you
Cold! You don't know the meaning of the word cold!
Cold is when you have ice on the INSIDE of your window!!


Sue's Book Shelf https://www.mediafire.com/folder/z1xg...Zine_Shelf

Rebel Run Video https://youtu.be/8prqS-XZtLo
 
Brad
Councilor Bercol is moonlighting.

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i.postimg.cc/VkSr4fwS/Fu-Z0Mn2.png
Cockatoo? What Cockatoo? I don't see a Cockatoo!
 
M1795537OCVirn

Lorna wrote: ↑

I have some plums curtesy of a neighbour


Very nice!
We picked a bucketful of damsons today. I'd share them if I could. Looks like i'll be busy tomorrow. I'm definitely running out of jamjars.
"You're not sulking, I hope?"
 
Lorna
Wishing you well AVZ
I look behind me, what do I see? A pair of golden wings seem to be attached to me.
 
OracVZen
Ahh upstairs kid just got up for the noise and mother too
I plan to live forever,or die trying.
Maximum Power
Seek-locate-destroy.
[img]https://postimg.cc/gallery/yVLnSLW/[img]
 
trevor travis
PHEW - MADE IT!

Soolin is looking lovely this week
Vote Og.
 
M1795537OCVirn
Hope the job goes well for you OVZ.
"You're not sulking, I hope?"
 
OracVZen

littlesue wrote: ↑

Paula wrote: ↑

OracVZen wrote: ↑

Started my new job today as work finished training at 12, The as bank support staff with adults,play paddle tennis with them,knackered lol


Good on you. Wish you all the best!

Same here, OVZ. Hope all goes well for you


And you littleSue
I plan to live forever,or die trying.
Maximum Power
Seek-locate-destroy.
[img]https://postimg.cc/gallery/yVLnSLW/[img]
 
littlesue
Oh no, that rather nice computer expert is in a spot of bother....hot towels at the ready
Cold! You don't know the meaning of the word cold!
Cold is when you have ice on the INSIDE of your window!!


Sue's Book Shelf https://www.mediafire.com/folder/z1xg...Zine_Shelf

Rebel Run Video https://youtu.be/8prqS-XZtLo
 
OracVZen

Lorna wrote: ↑

Wishing you well AVZ


Is that OVZ , Lorna and thank you
I plan to live forever,or die trying.
Maximum Power
Seek-locate-destroy.
[img]https://postimg.cc/gallery/yVLnSLW/[img]
 
trevor travis
The start of this episode reminds how few episodes of B7 start mid-story. No cosy Flight Deck scene at the start of this one!
Vote Og.
 
M1795537OCVirn

Brad wrote: ↑

Councilor Bercol is moonlighting.


I wonder if he did this as a sideline, for fun, or had he been demoted?
"You're not sulking, I hope?"
 
OracVZen

M1795537OCVirn wrote: ↑

Hope the job goes well for you OVZ.


Thanks m179
I plan to live forever,or die trying.
Maximum Power
Seek-locate-destroy.
[img]https://postimg.cc/gallery/yVLnSLW/[img]
 
OracVZen
Hello TT
I plan to live forever,or die trying.
Maximum Power
Seek-locate-destroy.
[img]https://postimg.cc/gallery/yVLnSLW/[img]
 
Brad
But now I've switched it off....

Plot twist number one.

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i.postimg.cc/VkSr4fwS/Fu-Z0Mn2.png
Cockatoo? What Cockatoo? I don't see a Cockatoo!
 
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