Nicola wrote

I'm new to this list, so this has probably been covered before. If so, please humour me. I think one of the worst mistakes in B7 was to bring back Servalan in the guise of Sleer (much as I enjoy Jacqueline Pearce's acting).

(snipped portraits, viscasts, long hair)

And even if it had become the fashion to resemble her (like the Diana craze years ago), it would be stupid to continue to do so after she had fallen so far from favour that all her colleagues were ruthlessly purged.

David Here is a theory / hypothesis you might like to consider.

There is a divide between those at the top and the group just below them. Reeve brings it out.

from Sand Reeve: We never actually met but I was at one of those official receptions for good and faithful servants that you occasionally graced with your presence.

Shrinker mentions a similar divide.

from Rumours of Death Shrinker: The elite from Central didn't mix much with members of the interrogation division.

When she fell from favour, those that did know her were purged.

Tarrant: If the new boys don't spot you first. Servalan: I am dead, and anyone who was ever directly involved with me has been purged.

Many of those who knew her by sight were included in the purges. She did some of the purging herself.

from Traitor Leitz: After all, how many people have you killed to conceal your secret? Servalan: You mean now? Twenty-six. So far.

There is also a convincing story explaining her fate, which story would go a long way to disarming potential embarassments.

Leitz: Servalan? Is Your Excellency certain? Proctor: Of course. I knew her well; killed in the rear-guard action at Gedden. Leitz: I knew she was reported dead, sir. I never heard any details.

Servalan would know how to spread such a cover-story because she has done it before.

from Hostage Travis: Are you and I still enemies? Servalan: Officially, yes. Unofficially, you lead me to Blake whenever you can. If you help me get him I will see you officially listed as dead. There is no one as free as a dead man.

Sleer, after this campaign, would not be recognised by anyone in the Upper Echelon. It would be in the group immediately below that she would be recognised, and so she was.

In Warlord, Zukan would know of her twinness in his own eyes. He calls her simply Commissioner. The name Sleer is not mentioned but studiously avoided. Servalan's name is conspicuous by its absence. The motiff is rather well done in the episode, what with the confusion when Soolin claims to be another woman (ie. Zeeona).

At the slave auction, Avon mentions Sleer's original identity but Verlis, the one in charge of the auction, doesn't even flinch at the name.

from Assassin Avon: Servalan. Servalan: I think, if you don't mind, I would prefer my slave to address me as "mistress".

When they teleport away from the auction, however, then she drops a glass. She already knew Servalan was Sleer.

The blind Ardus is on thin ice when he encounters the Commissioner.

from Animals Ardus: I am sorry. Why should you have known of it? Only six War Intelligence Officers and Servalan, our president, knew of it, if ever she was told. Servalan: Servalan? why do you mention Servalan? Ardus: No reason particularly. Servalan: No? Ardus: Simply she came into my mind. Servalan: Why did she come into your mind? Ardus: I, I cannot say, Commissioner.

Later on he regrets saying this and compounds the problem.

Academician Gerren recognises her, but whether Avon told him beforehand or not is not known.

from Games Gerren: Belkov has milked this planet for twelve good years. Now he knows the game is up, he wants to use the crystals to buy survival. Avon: So he will do a deal. Tarrant: With Servalan? Gerren: He will certainly try.

A member of the staff of one of the earlier presidents recognised her.

from Gold Servalan: Load the gold and watch him. Keiller: I don't suppose I will get paid now, will I, Servalan?

Egrorian recognised her.

from Orbit Servalan: When I regain power, you will be well rewarded. I shall appoint you my Chief Minister for Science. Egrorian: Servalan, my steel queen, my empress, the only reward I crave is a place in your affections.

Reeve recognised her.

from Sand Servalan: Reeve, you apparently think this is a new, exciting experience for me. It isn't. I have confronted several maniacs with guns. Reeve: Oh, I am sure you have, Madam President. I am right aren't I, Servalan?

Leitz recognised her.

from Traitor Leitz: After all, somebody has to take Practor's place. You could use your influence, I am sure. And, of course, you would know that your secret would be safe with me, Servalan. Servalan: I am sure it would but I don't submit to blackmail.

That leaves Rescue, Power, StarDrive, HeadHunter and Blake. Servalan was not present in these episodes (at least, the actress was not).

Anyone have any explanations? Apart from poor script-writing?

David Blake doesn't know who he is anymore ("I can't really tell anymore"). Avon doesn't know who he is ("Of all things ... fool" - Rumours; "Psychopaths are as welcome as farmers were." - Blake). The victims of the Pylene Programme don't know who they are. The Federation doesn't know who it is (because Servalan doesn't know who she is). The Sleer theme is a key theme in the fourth series.

Nicola

And why didn't Avon blow her cover?

David As another poster said, he tried. Or perhaps he wants a definite enemy.

DC