Ooooh, I'll be in this one!!! Though limiting it to twenty ... these are by any means all of the Best moments, just the first twenty-*one* that come to mind ...
1. Spacefall First sight of the Liberator, best *spaceship* ever made ... ***********************
2. Time Squad: The First Flight Deck Fight. AVON: I thought it was agreed we wouldn't do anything without discussing it thoroughly. BLAKE: True. It was also agreed that anybody could opt out at any time. Just tell me when you want to leave.
For two reasons. First, forget what you thought teamwork *meant* - this lot are going to give it a whole new world of meaning, mostly at the top of their not-inconsiderable voices (did anyone ever work so well together and fight so brilliantly *at the same time* as Blake and Avon?) Secondly, the first BIG indicator that the Hero was not above behaving decidedly and deliberately badly to get his way ... the white hat is already going a delicious shade of gray. ***********************
3. Duel: BLAKE: Have you got any better ideas? [Violent impact. As Blake and Avon reel back, Avon clutches Blake protectively, perhaps to steady him] AVON: As a matter of fact, no I haven't. BLAKE: Does that mean you agree? AVON: Do I have a choice? BLAKE: Yes. AVON: Then I agree. (Duel)
Just six short lines, and it's almost that fascinating and unique relationship in a nutshell. ***********************
4. Breakdown: BLAKE: - I shall destroy your hands.
<shiver> even greyer, and all the better because we don't actually *know* if he would have ... but I can believe it. ************************
5. Bounty VILA: I'm entitled to my opinion. AVON: It is your assumption that we are entitled to it as well that is irritating. And 'He agrees with me. Makes it all seem worthwhile somehow.' The *other* most fascinating relationship is just about to kick into full gear ... ************************
6. Redemption: The whole opening discussion/sparring match between My Heroes (see Time Squad above :-)). ************************
7. Shadow VILA: Where are all the good guys? BLAKE: You could be looking at them. AVON: What a very depressing thought.
Maybe the whole *series* in a nutshell ... especially considering what bastards the Good Guys can be ... ************************
8. Weapon: RASHEL: [Holds the IMIPAK projector] No. Don't press it. You're both marked. A non-Valkyrie, an ordinary person holding her own against the Supreme Commander and *winning*.
************************
9. Horizon: and the bad behaviour all round. Nice to know that Galactic Heroes react to ongoing stress by being human, grumpy, pigheaded, whiny etc, rather than Nobly (and Tiresomely) Rising Above It. ************************
10. Killer: Blake landing in the evacuation tunnel on Fosferon, nearly getting himself killed, then getting thoroughly told off by a total stranger <g> ************************
11. Trial: TRAVIS: So if Im guilty of murder, of mass murder, then so are all of you! (Trial)
Croucher's finest moment. ************************
12. Also Trial: AVON: One of these days they are going to leave you. They were almost ready to do so this time. BLAKE: Yes, I thought they might be. AVON: You handle them very skillfully. BLAKE: Do I? AVON: But one more death will do it. BLAKE: Then youd better be very careful. It would be ironic if it were yours.
A small but perfect example of how perfect the wordplay on this show could be ... ************************
13. Gambit:
The Servalan-Jarriere scenes, of course. The most enjoyable bits of exposition ever ... ************************
14. Star One:
The Last Flight Deck Fight <g>, and Avon's glittering, icily cruel and utterly honest 'wading in blood' explosion. ************************
15. And from the same:
the End, from 'I gave him my word' (love the way he skirts Jenna's 'why?') through to
VILA: Avon, this is stupid! AVON: When did that ever stop us?
And *especially* Blake's 'I have always trusted you' ...
The very very best ending to a season until the very *very* best two years later. ************************
16. City on the Edge of the World: "You have a reputation for straightforward mayhem that's second to none. I've been an admirer of yours for, um, well, for as long as I can remember. Well maybe not that long, I mean, uh, you're not that old, are you? But, uh, then again, you did start very young, didn't you? I think I feel sick. "
We must all use the skills we are given, and Vila's skill for creative panicking is second to none, is it? This whole scene is wooonderful ... ************************
17. Rumours of Death: And yet another example of what clever, cruel bastards *Our* Heroes can be:
TARRANT: Yes, Major, you're dying, but that's what you're paid for. ************************
18. Terminal: Zen's death. No other computer could have made me cry ... ************************
19. Games AVON: Oh, it's a calculated risk. But at least you and I can be certain that we can get away when we want to.
See 16. <g> Avon, of course, is still the champion and the master. ************************
20. The first sighting of Blake in 'Blake' - from Fearless Leader to Bloody Frightening ... The others changed as well, but we watched it happen over time. That first moment when we see what time and god-knows-what has done to Blake is a stunner. ************************
And, of course ...
21. The *real* End, from the moment Blake walks into the tracking gallery ...
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