Starring Gareth Thomas, Paul Darrow, Jacqueline Pearce, Brian Croucher, John Savident, John Bryans, Peter Miles, Victoria Fairbrother, Claire Lewis, Michael Keating, Sally Knyvette, Jan Chappell & Peter Tuddenham
Written by Chris Boucher
Directed by Derek Martinus
After Gan's death, the Liberator crew need time to think. Blake disappears off the ship, leaving the rest of the crew wondering whether he has sold them out, or whether he is meeting with somebody else. However, the world on which Blake finds himself is a dangerous one, and soon Blake is fighting for his life...
Meanwhile, Travis is facing death. Finally his over zealous actions have come back to bite him...
And when his trial is over, his executioners will be waiting...
After the climatic ending to Pressure Point, Trial takes a very different tact. Instead of an action packed blockbuster, Trial is a more intimate, reflective piece that's driven by it's characters and there relationships, rather than plot and action. And, despite his non-appearance, Gan is still a massive part of what happens, particularly in the Liberator-led sections of the plot. Everything in the previous story is finally payed off, and, while there are flaws, it's still quite a strong story.
The main morals at the heart of Trial is an examination of Blake's rebellion and Travis' methods. These two are really the main characters at the heart of the story, with both Avon and Servalan circling like sharks closing in. Both are facing the ultimate choice, and it makes for very gripping drama. Out of the two, Travis' is proberbly more exciting, because with comes Federation manipulation and treachery. Blake simply ends up encountering aliens, which isn't as interesting as the gripping human drama at the core of the story. Blake's section didn't really need a plot, as Travis' half covers that perfectly well. It's a chance to see how the characters react when there stripped back to there basics, and, while Blake's journey is annoying in the extreme, Travis' is wonderful. As the episode goes on, he becomes more and more insane, until eventually, he's intent on going on the run from the Federation to hunt Blake. That single thought is all that drives him and that's what makes the whole thing so compelling. He may have been mad before, but this story is the tipping point: a man who has sworn aligience to the Federation, only to be betrayed and hunted. It's clear that Travis is going to become quite a dangerous character. Blake, sadly, doesn't seem much changed, just more driven to defeat the evil Federation. I supposes that was more natural, but I feel that a little lingering insecurity would have been perfect.
This episode is all about it's characters, but most are left to the periphery of the plot. As I said, Blake, Travis, Servalan and Avon are the most important characters here. Poor Jenna, Villa and Cally, as well as most of the Federation grunts in this story are barely used, especially considering both John Bryans and Peter Miles make return appearances after Seek-Locate-Destroy. That's not to say, however, that everyone isn't on top form, because they really are, with some wonderful performances. Gareth Thomas and Claire Lewis make a good combination, despite some of the silliness in the script. As for Brian Croucher, Travis is starting to fit him like a glove. I'm not sure I could quite see Stephan Greif doing some of the stuff that Croucher does. His rapport with Jaqueline Pearce is fantastic, and the final scene, with Travis in control for once is brilliantly acted. There's little wrong with the acting, or Derek Martinus' wonderful direction.
The only thing that let's Trial down is a plot line that really didn't need to be there. They cold have just as easily managed without it. However, Trial is a fantastic episode, with some really great character moments and some fantastic acting on display. It may be slower than most B7 episodes, but it's still a wonderful episode.
Liberator Rating - 7/10
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