History Recap / BlakesSevenS1E8Duel

* SciFiWritersHaveNoSenseOfScale: Travis exhalts that the other Federation patrols have pushed the Liberator into this galaxy. One assumes he meant solar system.

* StealthInSpace: Though this doesn't explain why Zen doesn't detect them when they make their attack run.
-->'''Travis:''' We'll use the planet to mask us from his scanners.

* TemptingFate: Vila says they'll have the Federation after them until the day they die. Gan points out they've been lucky so far. [[spoiler:Gan is the first of the Seven to die, but Vila's prediction is right too.]]

* RammingAlwaysWorks: Rather than wait till the three ships firing on them have worn down their forcewall, Blake decides to go StraightForTheCommander and ram Travis' ship. Instead of [[GameOfChicken taking evasive action]] Travis decides to fire everything he has at point-blank range. The aliens intervene before we find out what would have happened next.

-->'''Avon:''' I have never understood why it should be necessary to become irrational in order to prove that you care, or, indeed, why it should be necessary to prove it at all.

* UnusualUserInterface: Blake uses a light pen on a notepad connected to Zen's interface as TheBigBoard, to show the others what his battle strategy is.

* ShipTease: Jenna gives Blake a scowl when he talks of how attractive Sinofar was.

* TheHecateSisters: Played with; we have the Guardian as the Maiden, the Keeper as the Crone, but no Mother.

* TheBait: Travis lights a fire to draw Blake into his BoobyTrap. As further incentive he sends the mutoid to capture [[IHaveYourWife whoever is with Blake]].

* DramaticThunder

* RecycledScript: A remake of the ''Series/StarTrekTheNextGeneration'' episode [[Recap/StarTrekS1E18Arena "Arena"]].

** It's pointed out that the pursuit ships firing constantly on the Liberator to wear down her forcewall leaves them vulnerable to attack (as they're draining their own power banks), but Travis regards them both as expendable.

** Averted when Travis tries to bond with his fellow cyborg who only exists to serve the Federation, but fails.

* TheSpock: Avon serves as a {{foil}} to Keyeira, the EmotionlessGirl mutoid.

** At the end of the episode having learnt nothing from these events, Travis is stated to be no different from the race that destroyed their own planet.
** Averted when Travis tries to bond with his fellow cyborg, but fails.

* TheHecateSisters: Averted; we have the Guardian as the Maiden, the Keeper as the Crone, but no Mother.

* AscendToAHigherPlaneOfExistence: Averted; the Keeper (Giroc) says that the Guardian (Sinofar) can do this for both of them, but she believes they must atone for the destruction of their world by inspiring other races to put aside their violent ways. When the Giroc exalts over Travis' determination to continue with his pointless vendetta, Sinofar states it is that which keeps them both prisoners on their dead world.

* SarcasmMode: When Blake is asked if his crew are also willing to die for his cause, he says they're here by their own choice. Listening to this, Avon contributes a sardonic, "Really..."

* RammingAlwaysWorks: Rather than wait till the three ships firing on them have worn down their forcewall, Blake decides to go StraightForTheCommander and ram Travis' ship. Rather than [[GameOfChicken take evasive action]] Travis decides to fire everything he has at point-blank range. The aliens intervene before we find out what would have happened next.

* OurVampiresAreDifferent: The mutoids feed on blood serum, and are entirely willing to take this [[ImAHumanitarian from a captured enemy]] through a built-in needle in her arm. She even traps vampire bats for the tiny amount of blood in them.
-->"'Travis:''' I'm aware of your need for blood serum.

* FireForgedFriends: A mutoid is chosen as a 'friend' to experience death with Travis. Travis does make an effort to bond with her, but it doesn't work and the episode ends on him stating that she will be court-martialed for her failure and likely disposed of.

* AscendToAHigherPlaneOfExistence: Averted; the Keeper (Giroc) says that the Guardian (Sinofar) can do this for both of them, but she believes they must atone for the destruction of their world by inspiring other races to put aside their violent ways. When the Giroc exalts over Travis' determination to continue with his pointless vendetta, Sinofar states that it is that attitude which keeps them both prisoners on their dead world.

* RecycledScript: A remake of the ''Series/StarTrekTheNextGeneration'' episode [[http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Recap/StarTrekS1E18Arena "Arena"]].

* WomanAreWiser: Averted as Giroc is just as prone to the old passion for violence that lead to war.

-->'''Travis:''' Well, perhaps the court martial will take that into account, but I doubt it. [Sits] Tell me, what happens to a mutoid that's dismissed the service?

* {{Fanservice}}: Sinofar has visible nipples. No doubts she's rather cold in that thin dress.

* DesignatedChickFight: Jenna fights the mutoid, who is weak from lack of serum.

* BloodSport: The Keeper is enjoys the thrill of the 'primitive' aggression and violence on display. The Guardian has to interrupt events when she arranges for Travis and Blake to meet up immediately.