Blake's 7 - A compilation of Avon's insults and jibes

A compilation of Avon's insults, jibes and put-downs from Blake's 7.

[@MarcDRhodes1972]

RIP Paul Darrow. My childhood was made much better by your presence.

[@lancemckellar]

Great series except the last episode

[@peterjames7073]

@@lancemckellar Time was up. The series needed to end ... so it ended . Agreed , it might have been better if they left the series ' Hanging ' I reminds me of Prisoner , but they ran out of money and had to put something 3 or 4 episodes into 1 episode !

[@thedavecorp]

I have his book.

[@garethmurtagh]

RIP Paul Darrow, thank you for being one of the highlights of my childhood 😔

[@pflynn581]

Brilliant series.Very sad.

[@Khuratokh]

"This one's Vila, i shall introduce him now, he's at his best when he's unconscious" classic!

[@epiendless1128]

Nobody liked Blake's comeback? "Staying with you requires a degree of stupidity of which I no longer feel capable." "Now you're just being modest."

[@RtB68]

The script writing for Avon was first class...but it was Darrow's pitch-perfect delivery of the material that made the character. Avon was so clearly the strength of the 7 - it's no wonder Servalan wanted to root him. Lol.

[@beth6787]

Let's face it - Avon always articulated what we were all thinking didn't he?! The verbal sparring between Avon (the only realist and intelligent member of the crew) and Blake & Servalan was brilliant. They managed to keep the show going for two seasons after losing the lead character of Blake ONLY BECAUSE of Paul Darrow's brilliant portrayal of the Avon character. Without Avon there would have been no show, especially after the end of Season 2.

[@evonne_okafor]

beth6787 You are right to a point

[@Richard_Ashton]

You're only saying that because it's true.

[@Puppy-ew4be]

I bet you wouldn't put up with someone like Avon in the workplace for more than a couple of days though.

[@lordprotector3367]

Series 2, please, we are not American.

[@OnafetsEnovap]

@@lordprotector3367 Grow up.

[@darelrobinson3958]

Sad to hear the news of the death of a man who brought this character entirely to life. RIP Mr. Darrow.

[@libertinoradio4597]

R.I.P. Paul Darrow. Avon was a great character fabulously portrayed.

[@8-bitsteve500]

The best scifi character ever, the loveable rogue. RIP Kerr Avon, we will miss you so very much. (RIP Paul) :'(

[@floydian2007]

RIP Paul Darrow. Such an awesome actor, we shall never see his like again.

[@JJfromPhilly67]

Villa, I am entitled to my opinion." Avon responds, "It is your assumption that we are entitled to it as well, that is irritating." Beautiful response.

[@saquist]

"No I am not. I am not stupid, I am not expendable and I am not going"

[@Ericwvb2]

That's probably my favorite Avon line.

[@fionabeswick7155]

Eric van Bezooijen Someone's made a great picture of that line but I cant find it! It had Avon giving one of those scornful Avon looks and underneath the words: Kerr Avon. Not Expendable. Not Stupid. Not Going.

[@saquist]

Fiona Beswick I would be interested in finding that!

[@fionabeswick7155]

saquist Its just totally vanished. Still I suppose one of those meme maker things you could do it. Its all it was, I think.

[@saunderssaunders1070]

When I was a bit younger I watched every episode of this show, I loved it so much I spent my money on a t-shirt with that quote on it.

[@teslajones9229]

Blake "Does it support intelligent life?" avon "does the liberator?" that answer included himself.

[@ARX78]

"Does it support intelligent life ?" "Does the Liberator?" Shots fired!

[@riddik79]

For anyone who played Star Wars The Old Republic he did the voice of Overseer Tremel in the Sith Warrior story arc

[@fionabeswick7155]

He's like the Edmund Blackadder of space.

[@Villafarrell]

That makes Vila the Baldrick of space.

[@robinstephenson8251]

What a great actor, RIP. Classic anti-hero for altime.

[@richardwhite2304]

No, that makes Blackadder a Blakes 7 tribute show. Right up to everyone dying at the end of the fourth series.. .

[@captainpoppleton]

@@richardwhite2304 from memory they died at the end of the first series as well.

[@CaminoAir]

Avon is more complicated than we sometimes remember. "I have never understood why it would be necessary to become irrational to prove that you care, or why it would be necessary to prove it at all." He can be ruthless and cold-blooded, but he is honourable to his own way of seeing people and he is loyal on those terms.

[@AtticusStount]

+Numinous20111 the last two seasons, as a mixture of overacting and different writing, ruined his character, that is why.

[@jasonfenton8250]

Nocturnal Podcasts I thought Avon was supposed to be cracking under pressure. I had problems with seasons 3 and 4, but Avon wasn't one of them. I mean, the episode "Orbit" was great.

[@fionabeswick7155]

.I know it was better in 1 and 2..I didn't like the black leather at all. I liked him thin and vulnerable, not strutting and over-masculine. but still, if you look at it as Avon trying to be the dominant leader, trying to compete with Tarrant...and Tarrant fails as a leader...they turn to Avon because there's nobody else. Avon is destroyed by Rumours of Death..as he says the 'rumours of my death have been..." "greatly exaggerated" puts in Tarrant...'Well, somewhat exaggerated" says Avon, in such a tone. He's never the same again and of course he hunts for Blake because he's the only person left that Avon feels is real...even if he is a fanatic, he's real and true...until the terrible shocking end...

[@CaminoAir]

And unfortunately for them by season 4 Avon was on a very slippery slope into paranoia. The only person who could have pulled them together was Blake and he wasn't the same man he was.

[@jasonblalock4429]

Yeah. According to most reports, Chris Boucher was *always* primarily responsible for writing Avon, even when Terry Nation was the showrunner. So Avon's writer really didn't change. Just the character and the circumstances he was in, along with his varying reaction to new crewmembers as they come onboard. Personally, one of my favorite things about B7 is that with all of the cast churn, they didn't always cast perfect replacements. It would have been easy to bring on another charismatic Blake type, for example, but bringing on a younger, cockier, wannabe-baddass who's constantly bickering with Avon over command made for better character drama. Or for that matter, the crew slowly loses all their characters who function as moral compasses. By Season 4, *no one* is playing the role of ship's conscience and they really are little more than freebooters. Their only remaining claim to virtuousness is standing in opposition to Servalan. (And even then, only because she's dedicated herself to catching them and thus forces the fight to continue.) I've never known whether it was intentional or not, but I feel like B7 really is one of the best examples on TV of showing how attrition and entropy take their toll on those in stressful circumstances. The utter moral decay of the crew over the years is really quite remarkable, particularly for a show of that era.

[@terratec1001]

4:10 - Avon - "If we don't get drug treatment very soon, we shall die". Vila - "Die? I cant do that". Avon - "I'm afraid you can. It's the one talent we all share... even you".

[@onestepbeyond5221]

"yes" I liked that bit too. lol

[@Dezaxa]

I'm determined to use that last remark the next time someone says "I'm entitled to my opinion."

[@Bert147]

That one is Cally, i'll introduce her more formally when she wakes up. This one here is Villa, i should really introduce him now, he's at his best when he's unconscious. Sheer class.

[@sandralloyd838]

Genuinely upset this morning hearing about Paul’s death. I loved and still do love this series. There would have been no Blake’s seven without Avon. RIP Paul

[@clairedemorgan5695]

Loved this show as a kid. Not aged well in looks but the dialogue i can now fully appreciate as an adult. Avon was superb and the insults, especially the ones aimed at Villa are absolute classics,

[@mikecane]

Rest in peace, actor Paul Darrow.

[@michaelbourrell2693]

That just rocks Avon ... the writers really allowed Paul Darrow to go to town with the character always did like Avon's dry wit and droll delivery

[@stormynortherner]

Blake's Seven is my second favourite TV show of all time, after Dr Who. The scripts are fantastic and the narrative very compelling.

[@richardclarke376]

He was the best thing about this show by miles. RIP

[@PassiveSmoking]

got to remember that last one, i can think of so many places where it would be relevant

[@Cpt50Caliber]

Aww they missed out my favourite, "Lawmakers, lawbreakers. Let us fight them all, why not"

[@DEREKinNYC]

R.I.P. Paul Darrow. Thank you for the legacy you left us.

[@colinfarren8326]

He had the best lines, and delivered with utter sarcasm.

[@fionabeswick7155]

"You would stay with him?.....Virtually alone, then".

[@fidomusic]

RIP Gareth Thomas.

[@fucheduck]

Avon and Villa dialogue, priceless and classic. a hundred years from now people will delight in this(if it is not burned) a far cry from their stale boring censored entertainment.

[@reidgirl7730]

Even his insults are delivered with class and finesse ❤ RIP Paul Darrow ❤

[@jamescurran9086]

One of the best Vila lines “ A thief isn’t what I am ,it’s who I am...”

[@FuchsiaShocked]

That last one might come in handy on the internet.

[@abbamanic]

I loved Avon's one liners, they were hilarious!

[@lostthe80s]

Avon was just pure class !! I think his comments should go into management training manuals :-) Only Servalan matched Avon for intellect (and dominatrix value)

[@rjryan7502]

Love Avon he is one of my most favourite characters from any forms of stories

[@lisabrown8833]

RIP Paul .. In that great Libirator in the sky now . .Reunited with your wife now.

[@philmars6114]

Just echoing what so many have said rip “Avon”. I just love Blake’s seven and it’s was so much innocent enjoyment and entertainment growing up

[@fenthwik]

RIP man. Such an incredible actor. :

[@softwhitewolf]

My appreciation of the sheer knife-like wit of Avon's lines has travelled over time in inverse proportion to my appreciation of the quality of the special effects!! Some of those one-liners are superb

[@eddiegaltek]

Only Avon could get away with a line like that; and one of my favourites.

[@TheEvilChipmunk]

RIP Paul Darrow. One of my all-time favorites. You will be missed. (6/3/2019)

[@chewie211171]

brillent stuff, this was one of the bbc's best programs of the 70-80s

[@Bert147]

Avon was pure class, you just dont see characters like that on screen these days.

[@berlinmitte10117]

Don't remake it - Douglas Adams was spinning in his grave when they 'Hollywoodised' Hitchhikers. Leave this classic be.

[@Abuamina001]

Mashallah. Great show. Great character development. Real people : not a collection of athletes with bulging biceps and smiling supermodels that feature on most modern science fiction.

[@Dopeydora]

RiP Avon, go and join Blake and enjoy your freedom. Always in my heart x

[@ariescustom]

And Servelan.

[@urbansparxTheonly1]

Excellent. He will be missed.

[@philipmonihan8222]

My favorites are when he puts down Terrant. We'll miss you, Paul.

[@Rekaert]

Avon's been one of my favourite characters for years. Callous, calculating, and with an acidic wit that you just didn't find at the time on TV.

[@michaelbourrell2693]

It was like Avon was bored and unhappy with having to point out how stupid he felt every one else was, when his time could have been put to much better use. Talking to others was a waste of time, effort and intellect.

[@daverage4729]

"Theres a pain behind my eyes!" "Have you considered amputation?"

[@lemonjapp]

B7 and Avon are my fave things ever, but he did shamelessly nick some of his quotes, such as this one, from Spock: Lieutenant Dave Bailey: Raising my voice back there doesn't mean I was scared or couldn't do my job, it means I happen to have a human thing called an adrenalin gland. Mr. Spock: That sounds most inconvenient, however. Have you considered having it removed

[@littleniyah]

Thats nothing like suggesting removing Vila's entire head!

[@jasonfenton8250]

Jill Rooney Spock wasn't wishing death on anyone in that quote, though.

[@neildahlgaard-sigsworth3819]

Jill Rooney not really a quote is it? Just a reiteration of the same sentiment.

[@DukeOfChirk]

Neil Dahlgaard-Sigsworth True, and in my opinion ‘have you considered amputation’ is much more pithy, witty and to the point. If Spock had said this, it would have been remembered as an epic one liner.

[@Itsmeeman1]

That last one was a Burn and a half!

[@johnmunro4952]

" I'm not expendable I'm not stupid and I'm not going" I want that on a t-shirt.

[@cardcounter21]

I loved the Avon Villa relationship because Villa, being the least respected crew member, was the most intelligent person on the ship and deep down Avon knew it. Though my favourite character, Avon wasn't as smart as he thought and Paul Darrow knew this too! It made his antagonism toward Villa more curious as Avon sometimes displayed even more cowardice than he despised in Villa!

[@lemonjapp]

Vila deserves a compilation too. His lines were just as witty, especially when sparring with Avon. 'Incidental? That'll look good on my gravestone!'

[@InweTaralom]

Did Tom Hiddleston base his portrayal of Loki on Avon? The level of snark is enough to drown a person!

[@chewie211171]

very well done, blakes 7 had some great moments that you'd miss if you didn't watch it again. Thankyou so much for posting!!!!!!!!!

[@allways28]

s had gestures had me in stitches the whole series . brilliant character

[@RJLNetWork]

RIP Paul Darrow. Now you and Blake can battle for freedom together. Gareth has been waiting for you.

[@pennyjaquet8433]

Paul Darrow, I think he was the only reason I watched Blake''s 7. A lovely man who will be missed.

[@happierabroad]

I love Avon's face. He looked so sharp and fierce and calculating and scheming. He looked like a master Shakespearean actor.

[@billnyetherussianspy3489]

Avon is amazing! 😂🤣

[@chewie211171]

thanks for posting this, Blakes 7 was such a great show. Paul Darrow clearly had all the best lines

[@keithmartin1328]

Excellent actor. May Paul Darrow rest in peace. Even after 40 years these series is still great.

[@keithmartin1328]

Sorry, "this series"

[@TheLSK]

Paul Darrow should write a book: "Avon's Insults For All Occassions. By Kerr Avon as told to Paul Darrow"

[@AtticusStount]

Paul Darrow wrote a book about Avon's early years in the narrative voice of Avon. I recently got into this series. There is sooo much stuff coming out now. There is no better time to be a Blake's sevener,

[@einezcrespo]

+Atticus Stount He did? Thanks for the tip! :)

[@AtticusStount]

+Einez Crespo He has written a new one, quite recently too, but I have yet to read it. One of the story arcs involves a competing super power. The latest book depicts an Avon who is well into his advanced years, like the actor.

[@medievalist]

Nobody does it better - makes you feel bad for the rest :)

[@johanprx7985]

Normally a series is doomed when it's lead character (that also gives the series it's name) leaves. This is one exception. I enjoyed season 3 & 4 even more and that is because of the performance Paul Darrow gave. R.I.P.

[@Calriec]

Avon is awesome because he says the things we've always wanted to say, but were too afraid or too polite to.

[@weldonwin]

In the words of General Patton, Avon is a Magnificant Bastard

[@fionabeswick7155]

I wish that the last quote had been given its full weight: Avon : 'it is your assumption that we are entitled to it as well which is irritating....however, I don't like the look of it either". Vila: "He agrees with me! It makes it all worthwhile....." Vila def needs his own compilation, or better yet, an Avon-and-Vila sparring one. Vila let Avon's jibes slide right off him and he was brilliant at pricking Avon's arrogance. I adore Avon but he could sure be arrogant beyond the call of psychopathy. And he takes himself very very seriously. Vila put Avon into perspective, he's really cool, actually. Vila: "When Avon holds out the hand of friendship, watch his other hand. That's the one with the hammer...."

[@dorakalbfell5156]

Yes, Vila does have his moments. He s actually very easy to write for. He doesn t take himself too seriously, but sometimes he really puts his foot in it. I ve found he ll also tell you about yourself given a chance. I brought that out in him in my stories and my sister loved it.

[@fionabeswick7155]

Stefano Pavone Id agree with that assessment. and in the last season, he almost vanished. He was becoming a drunk and they could have made so much more of that.

[@fionabeswick7155]

Stefano Pavone Yes, you're right, Orbit showed there was plenty of life in Avon and Vila. Think of Avon trying coax Vila out...but you can see, he doesnt really want him to...its Avon, perfect, always trying to be the bad guy, trying to be the psychopath, but tripped up by his essential goodness...now that is original. Plenty of characters who are wicked and trying to be good, but here's a guy who is trying to be a hardcase, and cant. Because if he'd really wanted Vila to come out, he'd have snapped at him...just as he did when he suddenly realized why the ship was heavy...then he started commanding Vila, like usual. "Vila.....please come out....I need your help, Vila....please help me, Vila..." and poor Vila, wow, was that intense? Crouched int hat cupboard, almost weeping with fear and betrayal and blind helpless terror....great piece of acting.

[@fionabeswick7155]

Stefano Pavone cant agree with you..thought Egrorian was brilliant. Lot of good villains in B7. My fave..damn cant remember the episode..it is the one with Servalan and the embryos...and she has this Chinese henchman, he was in Indiana Jones.. Gingka. When his Captain gives him shit for being uppity, he reminds Gingka that out of the two of us, I was the one who got promoted. Think about that, he says. and Gingka says in this really psychopathic voice: "But I do think about it, Captain. I think about it all the time..." And then there's Bayban! Colin Baker, brilliant! Wow, he's a great psycho. Why they didnt play him off against Avon instead of Vila...I know Vila wanted an episode to be more badass, but this guy with his madness against Avon's madness, could have been volcanic...

[@fionabeswick7155]

Stefano Pavone Lord, Gingka was sinister with that line. Should have made him Servalan's new henchman/sidekick. Without a Travis, the show lacked balance, because he was splendidly psycho and his relationship with Servalan was a mirror for Blake and Avon. The two powerful and ruthless leaders; the two scowling, undermining, contemptuous, but ready-for-rescue sidekicks. Travis and Avon were made for each other....a lot could have been done with that.

[@Nyctophora]

I loved this show and used to be allowed to stay up late (to half past eight! :D) to watch it :) Perhaps it was a formative influence on my sense of humour ... Thanks, I really appreciated the trip back in time :)

[@Ashworth6]

"Staying with you requires a degree of stupidity of which I no longer feel capable." "Now you're just being modest." Brilliant. Put that on a T-shirt too!

[@weasalpj]

Wasn't just Avon either... One of my fave lines was from Blake himself.. (I think) "Do that again, they might not have heard us!" And one of my fave exchanges was from some Federation guys in the episode Countdown I think Provine was the Feds answer to Avon. TRONOS [Into communicator] Control. Mm. Right. [Gives Selson a data card which he takes over to Provine] SELSON The Albians have broken though into the outer gallery, sir. The field commander reports that despite severe losses, our men are putting up a courageous defense. PROVINE Yes, spare me the propaganda, Selson. Can he hold them? SELSON He's concentrating what's left of his force to make a stand at level three, sir. PROVINE If they beat him at level three, there's little margin left. SELSON He'll hold them, sir. PROVINE I'd like a little more reassurance than your blind patriotism, Selson. Put the status report on the computer and run a probability program. If they do remake it they should call it Starcasm

[@grimupnorth]

Star Trek nil, Blakes Seven several hundred. Why do the BBC virtually disown this show? They once had to close Dr Who down because it seemed so backward in comparison to this. And it was.

[@Puppy-ew4be]

Do the BBC really disown Blakes 7? Evidence would help.

[@grimupnorth]

@@Puppy-ew4be The 'evidence' is that there is no evidence to the contrary. Basically, they have treated the series, and all those who have acted in it, as you would a disowned child.

[@Puppy-ew4be]

@grimupnorth I didn't mean to come across as patronising when I used the word evidence, it was more out of curiosity. It beggars belief that the BBC would treat such a great show with disdain, especially as it seems to tick all the PC boxes and is probably the only 70s show on Britbox that doesn't come with a "warning, this may offend". The BBC should be applauding this forward-thinking show and be proud of it.

[@grimupnorth]

@@Puppy-ew4be Yet they have never done so. The recent death of Stephen Grief was the latest snub. I can only guess that there was a contractual dispute with some of the actors at some point. We'll never know. As long as I have the full DVD box set, I don't care what the BBC do (or don't)!

[@mendellee]

avon's character is absolutely fantastic. nice compilation.

[@captainpoppleton]

".... unless they planning to throw nuts at each other.... !" A bit of whimsy from a very serious man.

[@Filbi]

I've read that Timothy Zahn based the character of Talon Karrde from Star Wars: Heir to the Empire on this character.

[@MAZE4]

Paul Darrow was my favourite actor in Blake's 7 his portrayal of Kerr Avon was, and always will be exceptional, he had some of the dryest humour in history to bite through, and he did it with gusto!

[@random007nadir]

The fades make Avon trail off at his punch-lines in the first half.

[@UrgentementeUK]

Great compilation :) I've just bought series 1 & 2 to rewatch (will get 3 soon, not sure I can bear to see Liberator destroyed on a 40" TV tho!) , haven't seen them in full since the original broadcasts. Avon & ORAC, 2 of the best characters in sci-fi :)

[@philoshaughnessy906]

Avon wasn't hugged enough as a child.

[@wildone106]

His sarcasm is unparalleled!

[@ForViewingOnly]

Blake's 7 was a stunning series, and is still awesome to watch. Only Tom Baker's Dr.Who came close, but Blake's 7 had the edge with its more adult storylines and razor sharp dialogue. Thanks for the video.

[@Puppy-ew4be]

Plus half the male cast got to kiss Servalan.

[@robdogmorgan]

Saved the best for last - I've often recalled that final Avon insult ever since hearing it on the original shows around 30 years ago.

[@JckSwan]

Ah man, so sad to hear he's passed away. :-(

[@AtticusStount]

I really wanted to meed you Mr.Darrow, it's a shame you couldn't keep the ticker ticking a bit longer. Though now you have left this earthly prison, and exist somewhere beyond.

[@redblade8160]

Avon: This one is Vila I should really introduce him now, he's at his best when he's unconscious!

[@fidomusic]

thanks for compiling and posting this. Avon is up there with Mr Spock and Inspector Morse - one of the great tv characters of all time.

[@SesameR7sh]

It was this compliation that got me watching B7, so thanks!

[@janinasesmith]

Amazing. Sci fi's version of Blackadder 2

[@AthenaKeatingThomas]

A wonderful compilation. I'd forgotten some of those jibes. I adored this series for the badinage!

[@RobTFirefly]

Great compilation!

[@robert-hh2ft]

the avon lines are the best ever

[@briggsy3]

One of my fave tv shows of all time.

[@johnnypocketrocket]

I seem to remember him says,"and that's exactly what they will be expecting us to do" when summing up the enemy a good few times.

[@shishiwakamaru4]

Ah, Avon; I always thought of him as Spock who was done with everyone's shit.