I'm going back to Gauda Prime to wear that ball and chain...

[kalypso_v]

It's past midnight on December 21 - and it's Gauda Prime Day again. I've already mentioned in response to selenak's intelligent discussion In Praise of Tragedy how, 23 years ago, minus a few hours, we were sitting in front of the television as the credits of "Blake" rolled, with my friends saying "Well, that was awful!" while I was gasping "Yes! Oh yes!" I'm just a tragedy junkie; my spirits start to dance as the bodies start to pile up in the fifth act of Hamlet, or Antony and Cleopatra. But "Blake" has a special place in my mind. I suppose I didn't know television could do that. I certainly didn't think Blake's 7 could, after what I considered a lousy fourth season that I'd almost stopped watching. Suddenly it transcended what it was and launched itself into myth. Accident of violence, or the climax of a ritual; whichever it may be, I was so gripped that I'm still in Blake's vice.

And yes, I know that some of you hate it, and many of you love happy endings. To you I say "Of course they survived and lived on into a future that was a subtle yet somehow satisfactory blend of happiness and angst!"
But to those like myself, "They'll come no more! Never, never, never, never, never! Except every time you replay it!"

Whatever your persuasion, Happy Gauda Prime Day.