In Voice From The Past, Blake is suffering nightmares from the time he was being brainwashed by the Federation. Cally, using her telepathic skills, discovers that each time a nightmare begins Blake hears a specific tone. Each time Blake emerges from a nightmare he is in something of a hypnotic state and is behaving strangely. Avon, Cally and Jenna along with Orac, embark on a mission to free him from his brainwashed state. It’s not going to be a quick fix though.
Meanwhile Blake convinces Vila that the rest of them are out to get them, locking them in one of the rest rooms and directing the Liberator towards an asteroid. Once within range Blake teleports down to the asteroid (some of the worst special effects seen on the show) and discovers something of a strange sect living there.
When Blake breaks off all communications Vila realises something is going on and frees the others. Avon is convinced it’s a Federation trap. One of the men on the asteroid is a highly prominent member of the Federation, the Arbiter General, and he is carrying enough evidence to to bring down Servalan once and for all. Also on the asteroid is a heavily bandaged rebel leader called Shivan (it’s pretty obvious right from the get go that this is in fact Travis).
The Arbiter General along with the high ranking Governor have been plotting to overthrow Servalan and put Blake in power in her place. The plot is genuine but Travis and Servalan have known about it all along. The Federation have been to turn a course interceptor into one that can disrupt brain waves.
The plot is excellent despite a few dodgy moments, not least the fact that Travis may be able to cover himself in bandages but his voice, even if disguised, is something of a giveaway.
classic quote
I’m sorry to have to inform you that he is himself alright.
production details
UK / BBC One / 1×50 minute episode / Broadcast 13 March 1979
Writer: Roger Parkes / Director: George Spenton-Foster
cast
Gareth Thomas as Blake
Sally Knyvette as Jenna
Paul Darrow as Avon
Jan Chappell as Cally
Michael Keating as Vila
Peter Tuddenham as Zen/Orac
Jacqueline Pearce as Supreme Commander Servalan
Brian Croucher as Travis
Frieda Knorr as Governor Le Grand
Richard Bebb as Ven Glynd
Martin Read as Nagu
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